Letters

I, along with many other people, went out in the snow blizzard in Farnborough on the A21.

I was attempting to take my son to school and then to travel onwards to work myself.

I must say I was thoroughly impressed with everyone's driving standards on that day. Everybody I saw drove slowly and there was real consideration, despite the ungritted road and very hazardous driving conditions.

In fact, I noticed after my two school runs that morning there was a distinct lack of traffic around the schools and most of the mums had walked their kids to school.

Although I was in my 4x4 it took me over an hour to get into work.

Isn't it funny, every time there is a problem on the roads with congestion it is always the poor old mums and their 4x4s who get the blame.

I detect a little jealousy in Roger Austin's comments. Perhaps he doesn't own a 4x4 but maybe would like to.

For his information these 4x4s are designed for driving in a low gear at a low speed, not for racing in the snow and on the highway.

Just for the record, I use my 4x4 for off-road driving and pulling trailers, as well as for work and school runs.

Caroline De vivo

Beeken Dene

Farnborough

Remembering wartime heroes - May I remind your readers of the work of the War Research Society, the battlefield pilgrimage tour group.

Since it was formed by a group of police officers, the society has grown and is represented throughout the UK and abroad.

We cover the World Wars in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland, Italy, Singapore and the South African Boer and Zulu Wars.

We can assist in tracing war graves and carry out additional research if required. Tours are tailored to meet the wishes of those travelling and nowhere is too out of the way to visit.

Financial help can be given in some cases and photographs can be taken for those unable to travel.

The War Research Society is dedicated to the remembrance of those who fought and, being a charitable organisation, is able to actively support forces charities, institutions and causes.

For more information and a tour brochure send a self addressed A5 envelope and a 44p stamp to:

Ray Almond

The War Research Society

8 Ascencion Road

Collier Row

Romford, RM5 3RS

Columnists stir you up on congestion - I was thoroughly entertained by Rachel Bradman's column on the congestion charge but could not help wondering where Rachel works.

It can't be anywhere near London, because she quite clearly does not have to face up to the daily misery that is travelling by public transport in order to do an honest day's work.

In the borough of Bexley we take a different view to the congestion charge.

Remember, we are not blessed with the tube or the DLR and have to rely on the so-called service provided by Connex.

Anyone who has waited for a train, more in hope than expectation, before being told it is either too cold, hot, wet, windy, or there are no drivers, or it is the wrong type of snow, rain or sun to run a train service, will know the only way to get to work reliably is to go by car.

If you want to get people out of their cars, Mr Mayor, then provide us with a safe, clean, affordable and reliable public railway service.

Alternatively, extend the tube and DLR into Bexley (preferably both). Until then, leave those of us who have no choice but to drive to work well alone.

J N

Email address supplied

MAYOR of London Ken Livingstone is laughing at Londoners, while he spends, spends, spends our money.

I agree entirely with the views expressed in Rupert Smythe's column, (He Says/She Says, January 8) about Livingstone's congestion charges, and totally disagree with Rachel Bradman's biased remarks.

She states the traffic in central London is now travelling at the same speed as horse-drawn carriages but knows perfectly well the traffic flow has worsened in London recently.

Livingstone is laughing at Londoners but I hope he hasn't fooled too many of us.

Just think of all that money squandered to Londoners' detriment I ask Rachel three questions:

l How much money has Livingstone paid out for all these road restrictions and pavement works (including Trafalgar Square)?

l How much will it cost to gather all this money which will be collected from motorists, tourists, shoppers, theatre-goers, and commercial delivery vans? that is, what will be his setting up and running costs?

l How much has he spent on advertising?

The total of those three sums is just wasted and unnecessary expense.

By golly, the Mayor can certainly spend a lot of our money, while making it more costly for us to get to work and to travel by car within our formerly wonderful city.

Brian Goodliffe

Malmains Way

Beckenham

HIGH PRICE SHOPPING: On Saturday I popped into Orpington High Street for some quick shopping, parked the car on a meter and paid for an hour. Unfortunately I was a bit late returning to my car, so I duly found a parking fine for £60. Fair enough I was late but the fine seems very high for such a short time. No wonder the high street shops are suffering reduced sales. I will shop out of town from now on you don't get fined for returning to your car a few minutes late in Bluewater.

Janette South

Email address supplied

FIGHTING FIRES: Could someone please ask the firefighters to stop lighting fires outside every fire station in the country every time they strike? Can you imagine how many trees they have burned doing this? Also, is it not hazardous? This kind of self-indulgent display makes one wonder about the sincerity of their claims. It all appears to be just a publicity stunt.

DJ, Email address supplied

animal magic: Karen Stewart (Letters, January 15) need not worry. Our MP is going about abolishing hunting. Plans to tackle shooting, angling, horse racing, and steeplechasing are already in hand. She need not worry about battery hens, sheep and cattle, they too are in the Government's sights and laws are being drafted to prevent the neutering of cats and dogs. Trust Tony has he ever let us down?!

D Wood, Orpington

MOVIES TURN US BLUE: Re trips to the cinema (Letters, January 15). I think the heating in cinemas is switched off once the film starts. My husband, daughter and I have sat through films and nearly frozen in Bromley cinema. Each time I have complained, and been given a complementary ticket but it puts me off going to the cinema.

Mrs M Leigh, Bromley

January 28, 2003 11:30