Sir-Roger Gough's anti-European rhetoric in the letters page masks one very good and one very bad point.

The idea that the UK government should impose a new tax to ensure that citizens pay higher prices for cars than those in the rest of Europe is bizarre.

It is car usage, not ownership that leads to congestion.

Usage is already heavily taxed through fuel duty. However, his idea to ensure that all motorists have insurance is an excellent one. Such a system already exists in Germany where if you don't have insurance the police turn up on your doorstep. Linking together the national vehicle registration, tax and insurance databases is a relatively straightforward task. Perhaps our MP could introduce the necessary legislation?

Clearly we have something to learn from Europe after all.-Gary Beecroft, Alex-andra Road, Twickenham.

July 9, 2002 11:30