TWO items aroused my interest in the Evening Press on November 23.

1 I believe the aeroplane on page 11 to be a Spiteful. Which was of course developed from the Spitfire but as a new design and which had a short service life due to the advent of jet aircraft. I believe this is the second time this mistake has been made.

2 I fully agree with Pamela Egan's comment on the discomfort (and danger) arising from the way the Park & Ride drivers conduct their activities.

As a very fit 60-year-old, I find it prudent when having to stand to hang on with both hands and to brace both feet to guard against the unnecessarily rapid acceleration, savage cornering and harsh braking of all the drivers I have had the misfortune to be driven by.

Needless to say I no longer say thank you when I disembark.

I've several times wondered how older or infirm folk would manage. Recently I witnessed the refusal of two elderly women to embark because it was obvious they would have to stand.

I have also felt intimidated when driving my car at the upper end of the speed limit by the closeness of rapidly accelerating bus drivers - only to turn off into the out-of-town Park & Ride a few hundred yards later.

The drivers should be reminded that they are responsible for the well-being of the paying customer and that smooth driving is the mark of the true professional. A smooth ride into York is a welcome change from driving oneself in heavy traffic. A rough ride might just persuade out-of-town visitors to stay away and shop elsewhere.

R J A Ayre,

Beckside,

Elvington, York.

Updated: 09:07 Monday, November 28, 2005