Greenpeace credibility is at risk over SUVs
SIR – I write regarding the recent article calling for fleets to ban SUVs. I think Greenpeace and many organisations like them are simply bullies who intimidate people with their heavy-handed methods.
They would have more credibility if they used more peaceful methods of campaigning and did not want to wind the clock back 100 years.
Maybe they should chain themselves to a highly polluting airliner which, hopefully, would take off with them still connected.
JM Goodwood
By email
Lack of mirrors may reflect on liabilities
SIR – In common with many companies our drivers undertake regular driver training.
At a recent session we were made aware of the blind spot the majority of van drivers with a single offside mirror have on their offsides and how we should be aware of this while overtaking.
A colleague from a large plc was also informed about this during his driver training. We were told that a high proportion of LGV accidents result from poor visibility when lane changing.
This creates a major liability issue for the owners and drivers of LGVs as the companies have been put on notice that their drivers have a blind spot which could be rectified by the fitting of additional mirrors.
Surely this means a successful prosecution could now be achieved under Health and Safety legislation on the majority of LGV drivers and owners?
Alan Barnard
Managing director, Geistlich Sons, Chester
Examples of ‘bad law’ cause loss of respect
SIR – The refusal of Government to address the need to revise speed limits, allied to the zeal of some police authorities to take advantage of the present situation to get cash, is increasingly leading to a serious decline in respect for the police and our system of justice.
Bad law, especially when, as in the case of speed control, there is an attached stench of political slight of hand (stealth tax), poses a serious threat to public respect for our police.
Perhaps public respect for those tasked to enforce current regulations would be improved if police authorities could be relied upon to ensure that PC Milton (Fleet NewsNet, May 26) and those who behave like him, are forced to find alternative employment.
Wilson Paton
Managing director, Outreach, Falkirk
Challenge carmakers on prices
SIR – Why are some vehicle manufacturers allowed to get away with increasing prices by removing bonuses?
If a company is buying or leasing, it places an order in good faith. If it then gets advised that the manufacturer is withdrawing the bonus two months before the new car is due, this puts the price up.
If this were an individual buying an item, the supplier would simply have to stand the difference or the individual could walk away.
Why doesn’t the leasing industry challenge this? The practice is counter-productive – employers will not offer what appears to be a good car in case it ends up costing more than its starting price by the time the order is fulfilled.
Colin Matthew
Deputy company secretary, LPP Properties
Are speed cameras set correctly?
SIR – Having read the letters regarding dual standards for speeding offences for the police and the public, I notice one of your contributors has been caught at 50mph in a 40mph area.
I drive that stretch of road regularly and there are sections which are 50mph and parts which are 40mph. He would be wise to drive the same piece of road and check the speed limit as it could be that the cameras have been set differently to the signage.
Nick Welch
Fleet co-ordinator, corporate services, Cardif Pinnacle
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