Euro-threat

SIR,

I was puzzled to read in this month’s Boddy Language that an arbitrary date was to set before which no car in Europe would be allowed on public roads. He mentioned 1985.

There is no logic in fixing such a date — any date. Whilst the aim to raise emission standards and road safety is most praiseworthy, any attempt to define by age is patently absurd.

We have in this area, as an example, an Edwardian Renault whose emission test was so low as to defy belief: Well maintained and carefully driven, as such cars always are, their threat to the environment is non-existent.

The suitability of any car to conform to high standards of safety and emissions has no relevance whatsoever to its date of manufacture.

I AM YOURS, ETC,

COLIN BUCKMASTER, BRETTENHAM, IPSWICH.