Lane limits

I question the advisability of converting the Queensferry Crossing, with only two lanes (albeit plus a hard shoulder) to full motorway status, permitting speeds of 70mph. In wet weather, the stopping distance (based on thinking/ reacting/braking times) can increase from 110 metres at 50mph to 150 metres at 60mph, 200 metres at 70mph, and probably even longer on the downward slope.

Without trucks and buses, it may possibly be safer than other two-lane motorways and dual carriageways, but it still seems an unnecessary risk on a bridge. There have been several recent examples of the total mayhem caused by high-speed motorway accidents.

I wonder whether limits of 50mph on the inside lane and 60mph on the outside lane were considered? JOHN BIRKETT Horseleys Park, St Andrews, Fife Alex Orr is spot on with his condemnation of the Spanish government’s attempts to thwart a democratic vote on Catalonia’s future status (Letters, 19 September).

During the 2014 Scottish referendum campaign, it was reported that David Cameron and the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy held secret talks and the Spanish media said the two leaders had “decided to coordinate” their response to the independence campaign in Scotland.

Given the considerable coverage that was given to Spanish politicians in 2014, is it not surprising that BBC TV has failed to shed any light on the current situation in Barcelona? Perhaps not.

MARY THOMAS Watson Crescent, Edinburgh The SNP’S Alex Orr delivers a lecture dispensing advice to Spain on the proposed Catalonian referendum. What he could have added was that the result does not matter anyway.

If the separatists lose, in the samemannerashisownparty, they could start campaigning for a second referendum the morning after the defeat.

ALEXANDER MCKAY New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh