I READ with concern William Smith's call for speed limiters to be fitted to cars (Letters, May 28).

I understand his concerns, but limiting the top speeds of cars is not the solution. He may not be aware that most of accidents happen in urban areas with the vehicles involved travelling at speeds of 30mph or less. He may not also be aware that our fastest roads, motorways, are also our safest.

So where does this leave his concerns about drivers driving dangerously? He should call for a stiffer driving test, with through-life mandatory re-tests.

He should also call for a more visible police presence, which is the greatest deterrent of all.

Fitting speed limiters would not prevent accidents or stop bad driving but could, in some cases, cause accidents because drivers would be unable to accelerate out of danger if ever there was the need. Most accidents are caused by poor concentration or failure to recognise hazards, and speed reduction measures often make these worse.

This is why road deaths have stopped falling and have risen in some areas because the focus for road safety campaigns concentrated almost exclusively on speed reduction.

R McBroom,

Westpit Lane,

York.

Updated: 11:26 Wednesday, June 02, 2004