I CAN easily understand why young (and youngish) men wish to flash around our roads at 100-plus mph ('Speeders face swift justice', May 22). It's fun, daring and wows the girls.

Fines may be fine, but, wondering about a less censorious approach, I contacted the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents about the feasibility of TSLs (top speed limiters). Much to my surprise, I was told that they are not only feasible, but recommendable.

TPLs would save fuel, cut down on pollution and reduce the number and seriousness of accidents. The cost of fitting such a device to new cars would be negligible.

I could add to this list: saving police and court time, an end to those dangerous high-speed car chases and the theft of off-the-peg get-away cars.

It may even save lives.

It would be difficult to imagine a simpler or more cost-effective solution to a problem; so who could be against?

You've guessed it! Car manufacturers and their boot-licking friends in Parliament.

William Dixon Smith,

Welland Rise,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, May 28, 2004