IT would appear that the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's 'Stop The Carnage' campaign has degenerated to a point where it is beginning to resemble the 'Stoning Sketch' in Monty Python's Life of Brian.

Perhaps you have entirely missed the crucial point that the two teenagers who tragically lost their lives last month might have survived, but for the ensuing fire.

It would appear that serious fires after road accidents are far more frequent than they were back in the 1980s before vehicles were fitted with catalytic converters and electronic engine management, incorporating fuel injection and run on unleaded petrol.

Catalytic converters get white hot when the engine is working hard, and if the exhaust system is damaged in an accident, any leaking fuel vapour may be instantly ignited, giving no time for anyone to even attempt a rescue.

You also claim that the number of accidents on Grane Road has increased since the opening of the M65, but perhaps the increased traffic is due to the new traffic-calming on the A666 through Darwen, which has encouraged commuters from the Bolton area to seek alternative routes.

Safe driving is all about learning the route, so it is hardly surprising that the number of accidents on Grane Road has increased.

Drivers regularly using the route may also be under some pressure due to the constant road works on the A666, which may also significantly add to the traffic using Grane Road.

Grane Road is already 'traffic-calmed' by the geography of the landscape, and perhaps the residents at the Haslingden end would not be so keen on a new mini roundabout if they realised that any through HGVs stopped by such a roundabout will not be able to stop as quickly further down the hill.

However, the 'lorry bashers' appear to be running the show, claiming that the lorries are causing the accidents, when both the recent major accidents involved cars passing other slower cars. And if noise is a problem, perhaps they should campaign to get the potholes mended.

It is hardly surprising to find the Highways Agency has not yet removed the Blackburn South sign from the A56 - Grane Road is probably a key target for obstruction and/or weight limit as an alternative to any future toll roads, as is the route through Baxenden.

G PYE, Downham Road, Chatburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.