Letters: Zero-tolerance curb on speed is absurd

Speeding is a problem.

However, a zero-tolerance attitude will create chaos as regards paperwork, create animosity towards the police and will not help the problem one bit.

The vast majority of us do try to abide by the speed limit, but a zero-tolerance approach will mean most of us will have our eyes glued to the speedometer and not on the road, probably resulting in more accidents.

The other issue is that car speedometers are inaccurate. I own two cars – one a Rover 75 which, when bought new, had the option of either 15in, 16in or 17in inch alloy rims and a selection of different tyres.

However, Rover only fitted one type of speedometer, so it’s obvious that the accuracy of the speedo will be in question, but I’m not to know that, or indeed the variance that could be two or three miles per hour out – either plus or minus.

My other car is a 1979 classic car, again with a speedo that is 40 years old and so will not be as accurate as perhaps a brand new car with digital equipment, so once again, where does that leave me as regards zero-tolerance?

Presumably we will be allowed to contest any fines or convictions in court because, arguably, one has unwittingly committed an offence not due to negligence, but through misinformation by equipment fitted.

Are the police going to check everyone’s speedometer for accuracy? A two to three mph error is quite common on cars.

Admittedly sat-navs can inform you of your true speed, but how many of us use a sat-nav all the time?

I think this is a flawed suggestion and the police would be far better off catching the real speeders with unmarked traffic patrol cars.

Karl Sheridan

via email

politics

Mistakes made by UK and USA

It can be difficult for individuals to admit, even to themselves, that they have made huge mistakes.

Hardly surprising then that it is hard for millions who have collectively made the wrong decisions to face up to the consequences.

This seems to me exactly where things stand here in the UK, as we stumble towards the self-inflicted catastrophe of Brexit.

It is equally so across the Atlantic, where it becomes clearer with each day how wrong the American people were in choosing as president an egotist and

liar who is totally unfit to serve.

These mistakes stem from similar roots, a collective desire to seek simple panaceas for complex problems, an unwillingness to learn more about the issues before casting our votes.

The good news is, however, that there is still just time to admit to these blunders and change

track.

In the USA, the mid-term elections in November offer the chance to elect more Democrats to Congress, which will almost certainly lead to the impeachment of a man who is a stain on the pages of their history.

It is perhaps more difficult for us to avoid Brexit.

I increasingly feel our way out of this mess has to lie with the political class who dumped us in it in the first place.

The people did not call the referendum.

It was David Cameron, approved by Parliament.

In many ways, the people were being used to solve a problem the politicians could not.

It is now time for MPs of all parties to come together and stop this folly.

Sadly, I suspect only a few have the courage and wisdom to try to do so, consequently our wrong decision will resonate for far longer than that made by Americans.

Ian Richardson

Address supplied

legal

Change law

on euthanasia

I have just spent a week in an old people’s nursing home. The staff and facilities were very good. But what I cannot understand is why euthanasia is not a law.

If you are rich and have someone to take you about and look after your needs, very well, but most of us are not privileged that way.

I sat one morning listening to the radio and the Bee Gees were singing Staying Alive. I looked around the room and thought, yes, that’s right, we are just staying alive.

When you see people just sitting there, not with it, I don’t call this living.

I am 92 years old. My health is not good and if I was given an injection or pill, I would welcome it. I’m sure others would agree. Euthanasia should be law.

Mrs W

Address supplied

transgender

Good luck to referee Lucy

Good luck to Lucy Clark, 46, who has become football’s first transgender referee.

She used to referee men’s FA minor league games as Nick Clark but will now officiate women’s matches.

However, Lucy hopes to move back into men’s football. Hopefully Lucy’s refereeing ability will be the most important topic of conversation. She continues to participate in the game she loves, a game that helped her to cope with her personal gender ordeal.

John C Fowler

Address supplied