THE story about the runaway dog causing an accident on the M61 near Farnworth (January 22) raises a serious issue about animals straying onto the motorways.

What appears to have been a stray running free on the northbound carriageway resulted in three vehicles colliding and causing an hour of disruption.

It seems no one was seriously injured, but any collision resulting from vehicles swerving to avoid stray animals could result in serious injuries or fatalities to drivers and passengers.

Highways Agency traffic officers are trained to manage such incidents. In this case, a patrol was dispatched to manage traffic, retrieve the dog and alert the RSPCA.

We also work with farmers and landowners to ensure fencing is maintained to keep sheep, cattle and horses off the motorways. Although pets can escape or stray, owners also have a responsibility.

Drivers have a role to play too in heeding the electronic warning signs put up as soon as we get reports of an animal, or a pedestrian, on the hard shoulder or live lane.

Drivers should slow down and leave extra room for braking. We will remove the warning signs as soon as we can.

Neil Sterio Highways Agency Manchester