Lorry drivers are restricted by law as to the number of hours they can drive, beyond which they are considered unfit.

Yet in treacherous conditions, which require a far greater concentration, the law was relaxed.

Which is better – to allow juggernauts to drive on icy roads with drivers normally considered unfit by law, or have them parked on hard shoulders to allow drivers to recuperate?

We are told these freezes cost our economy hundreds of millions.

Yet while countries such as Sweden and Canada invest in machinery to clear roads and protect the economy, our authorities consider these not to be economically viable, even though they have a lifetime of up to 20 years, when the economic loss incurred by not investing in such equipment will be compounded year by year.

W H Diment
Church Road
Laindon