Road Safety Authority needs to review decision to reduce maximum vehicle heights – Bannon

Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath TD, James Bannon has called on the Road Safety Authority review the decision to reduce maximum vehicle heights to 4.65m. The Deputy’s call comes in light of the rising cost for farmers in a tough climate.

The deputy said “For a lot of farmers in Longford/ Westmeath this is another cost they can do without. Longford farmers rely on importing their straw from east coast based counties. Now under these new restrictions, the majority of lorries transporting fodder will have their loads significantly cut.

“Simply, Instead of paying for all of your straw in one load, it must now be divided into two with both loads being paid for.   Only two rows of 4×4 round bales will be legal on lorries, while large square bales, usually three feet high, will only be legal when loaded three high on most trailers.

“Haulage costs will remain constant but these restrictions reduce a typical load of straw by one third, so the cost of bales will inevitably rise. Early indications suggest that this could be between €5 and €10 per bale.

“The restrictions coming into force on November 1st will have dire implications for Longford Westmeath farmers buying fodder this winter, particularly those dependent on straw being transported long distance. I would ask the RSA to consider these farmers in lieu of the current climate and review the decision to reduce maximum vehicle heights to 4.65m.”