ROAD SAFETY: IT was with increasing incredulity and anger that I read your editorial headlined "The error of their ways" (Echo, Aug 5).

As a married father of three, motorist and motorcyclist for some 19 years, I have never read a piece of journalism as ignorant of the facts or bigoted in its views.

As far as the content is concerned, did you bother to interview any motorcyclists? Have you interviewed owners of the many businesses of Hawes, the cafs and chip shops so heavily reliant on our custom?

Motorcyclists take their skills and responsibilities very seriously. We know that we will always be vulnerable in any accident, and you will find that motorcyclists generally have a far higher level of training than car users.

In terms of policing, we are subject to exactly the same laws as everyone else. However, if car users were subjected to the same level of draconian policing already accepted as the norm by motorcyclists, there would no doubt be a public outcry.

In addition, I find the emotive 'bright red blood of innocent daytrippers' to be beneath contempt. Any reputation for balanced journalism your paper may have had has gone for good.

I trust that I speak for all motorcyclists (balding or not!) and their families. - Ian Holme, Darlington.

I AGREE with your editorial that we need speed cameras in the North-East, particularly in County Durham and North Yorkshire (Echo, Aug 5).

As a regular driver to Edinburgh via the A68, I am impressed by the way in which speed cameras have been so effective on the stretch between the border and Edinburgh. The cameras are so numerous that people seem to have given up trying to brake whenever one is spotted, the result being a steady stream of traffic moving at a sensible speed.

Well done Northumberland and Lothian, let's have them in our region. - Geoff Carr, Darlington.

COMMENTING on the sad death of a driver on the Eggleston to Barnard Castle road (Echo, July 23), a local councillor tells of the measures taken by Durham County Council to reduce the number of accidents, but he ends with the words: "I just don't know what can be done now to make the road any safer."

For many years, as a cyclist, pedestrian and motorist, I have taken an active interest in road safety matters, serving on committees and forums under the auspices of Stockton Council. I wonder whether Durham County Council has considered the following measures for what is clearly a dangerous stretch of road:

1. Displaying signs showing the number of accidents which have occurred over a period of years.

2. Having a speed limit of 50mph - and possibly reducing to 40mph at really dangerous stretches. At present with the 60mph limit, many drivers will travel at up to 70mph, but with a 50mph limit they'll only go at 60mph.

I have noticed that in some counties, eg Staffordshire and Shropshire, limits of 40mph and 50mph are common on country roads, but this approach to road safety seems to be sadly lacking in the North-East. - FR Johnson, Stockton on Tees.

AMBULANCES

THE mothballing of ambulances because they cannot get over speed bumps is disgusting (Echo, July 31).

Why weren't crews asked their opinions instead of inconsistent bosses? Surely somebody must be removed from their positions.

For too long the health services have been bedevilled by incompetence at the top.

How much are Mercedes Benz giving for a product that is not capable of its job? We need to know. - C M Johnson, Bedale.

PETER MULLEN

HOW sad Peter Mullen must feel after admitting that his true religion is cricket (Echo, Aug 5). Does he not realise that that could precisely be his problem?

Why, if he is honest, does he not resign as a rector and chaplain and become a cricket commentator instead, enjoying the handsome living as member of the cricketing press? - Ben Andriessen, Ramshaw.

BUS STATION

I AGREE with Growing Older Living in Darlington that we need a new bus station in Darlington (Echo, Aug 4).

The cattle market site would be a very good place, but there is one disadvantage: it is a long way from the town centre and shops. To overcome this I would like to see a shuttle bus running from the new bus station through the town centre and back. I would also like this to be a free service. - PR Cockrill, Darlington.

POLITICS

LET'S address the real issues.

The old parties are tired, provide the wrong kind of leadership and don't speak for the people. They are evasive and incapable of telling the truth, but worst of all they trap people into a system that is inherently dishonest.

Consider the following platform:

* Care for our environment;

* Change the capitalist system so that profit and growth are not prime objectives;

* Eliminate Third World debt;

* Stop the sale of arms.

* Recognize diversity.

* Support the poor and the oppressed.

* Elected members should hold their posts for three years maximum.

I plan to challenge the Richmond MP William Hague at the next election on these issues. - Willie Carr, Richmond.