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Farmers demand haulage law change Farmers demand haulage law change
(about 9 hours later)
The National Farmers Union in Scotland has criticised the UK Government's reluctance to relax haulage rules following the foot and mouth outbreak.The National Farmers Union in Scotland has criticised the UK Government's reluctance to relax haulage rules following the foot and mouth outbreak.
The criticism comes after it emerged many animals, which should have been sold or slaughtered, have not been because of movement restrictions.The criticism comes after it emerged many animals, which should have been sold or slaughtered, have not been because of movement restrictions.
The situation has resulted in a backlog for haulage firms charged with trying to move the animals.The situation has resulted in a backlog for haulage firms charged with trying to move the animals.
Current haulage laws restrict drivers to 90 hours driving a fortnight.Current haulage laws restrict drivers to 90 hours driving a fortnight.
The National Famers Union (NFU) in Scotland wanted the problem addressed with a temporary relaxation of the haulage legislation, until demand returned to normal.The National Famers Union (NFU) in Scotland wanted the problem addressed with a temporary relaxation of the haulage legislation, until demand returned to normal.
Nobody wants to see animals stranded anywhere, whether at markets or on a farm Nigel MillerNFUSNobody wants to see animals stranded anywhere, whether at markets or on a farm Nigel MillerNFUS
In an attempt to try to overcome the current problem, livestock sales have been arranged over a shorter time frame.In an attempt to try to overcome the current problem, livestock sales have been arranged over a shorter time frame.
But the NFU said it had already received anecdotal reports of some animals being left at markets due to the lack of transportation.But the NFU said it had already received anecdotal reports of some animals being left at markets due to the lack of transportation.
The union, which has secured the support of the Scottish Government, said it cannot understand why Westminster has so far failed to act.The union, which has secured the support of the Scottish Government, said it cannot understand why Westminster has so far failed to act.
The warning comes as farmers gather for Europe's biggest single day sheep sale, taking place at Lairg.The warning comes as farmers gather for Europe's biggest single day sheep sale, taking place at Lairg.
NFUS vice president, Nigel Miller, said: "Nobody wants to see animals stranded anywhere, whether at markets or on a farm.NFUS vice president, Nigel Miller, said: "Nobody wants to see animals stranded anywhere, whether at markets or on a farm.
"All we are looking for is a temporary relaxation, similar to that we received in 2001, to clear the backlog that has developed over the last month.""All we are looking for is a temporary relaxation, similar to that we received in 2001, to clear the backlog that has developed over the last month."
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "The FMD restrictions have created severe pressure on haulage capacity in Scotland at the most important time of year for animal sales and movement.
"This will restrict the Scottish livestock industry's attempts to return to normal.
"I have written to Ruth Kelly to seek the UK Government's support and cooperation in addressing this issue."