Sir,

The “burden” (p. 80, February issue) is greater than you suggest, for the motorist is compelled to pay 10 of today’s shillings in advance for one year and five for two years, which owing to persistent inflation, for which the Government alone is responsible, are more valuable than the shillings of 1959 or 1960. If he had the shillings he would be able to earn with them the cost of inflation or, failing that, 24 per cent. p.a. by lending them to the Government.

But if the charge for the licences is solely to cover administrative charges, why not charge £1 and issue the licence for life, which would be sensible. Why not ? Because hundreds of form flunkeys and pen-pushers would be pushed off their feather beds and would be available to do some useful work.

I am, Yours, etc.,

W. H. S. Williams – Biddenden.

[This letter is in reply to Editorial comment on the increased price of a driving licence from 5s. to 15s. A further objection to the issue of compulsory three-year licences is that the signed clause that the applicant is fit to drive, which was formerly assumed valid for a year, now applies for three years—and health and eyesight might deteriorate considerably in this longer period.—Ed.]