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Island hauliers overturn tarpaulin ruling
Page 11
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HAULIERS IN THE Scottish islands have overturned a Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) ruling to cover loads of hay and straw with a tarpaulin when travelling on local ferries. Local hauliers warned this procedure could make the loads more dangerous, due of the possibility of spontaneous combustion. MSP George Lyon,
who owns farmland on the Isle of Bute,took up the hauliers' case and the MCA agreed to suspend the ruling pending further discussions. "I'm very pleased that common sense has prevailed," says Lyon. "Apart from the safety risk, it involves extra cost, so you would actually end up spending more on something less safe." Despite the reprieve, the MCA insists it is safer
for hay and straw to be covered. David McRae, engineer and surveyor with the agency, says: "The rule has been there for years and it is to make the loads safer. "Uncovered loads can become sodden and this makes internal combustion more likely. Covering the load keeps it dry and does not increase the chance of a fire. Fires occur in the middle of the hay or
straw — it's irrelevant whether it is covered." He adds that loads of hay and straw are routinely covered elsewhere. "Scottish hauliers, or at least those in the Islands, have ignored the rules," he adds."I think it's about cost."
McRae says the MCA is happy to talk to the hauliers and find a solution."We realise hay and straw have to be carried," he concludes.