REGARDING the article 'Angry MPs' (LET, November 8), I was amused at the comments passed by Hyndburn member Mr Greg Pope.

To suggest that the carnage will stop once heavy vehicles are restricted from using the road is rubbish.

It would imply that they have been responsible for the recent accidents. Heavy vehicles are safe and undergo more stringent testing than most of our cars do.

The speed limit on Grane Road for trucks is 40mph. Most truck drivers are experienced, with some driving more in a day than most car drivers do in a week.

The only way to stop the carnage on Grane Road is to educate all drivers who use not only that road but any road in the country.

If you only allow yourself a certain amount of time to get to work, without taking into account any unforeseen conditions, then, faced with a slow-moving truck, this will turn the best driver in the world into an impatient, bad driver.

To suggest that they should go the long way around is an irresponsible comment from any MP.

The extra mileage involved is an increase in diesel consumption, an increase in pollution, extra wear and tear on a vehicle and, ultimately, an increase in the price for the goods delivered.

People should not forget the reasons for roads in the first place.

The increase in demand not only for goods vehicles but private cars, has to be taken into consideration.

Instead of implementing schemes that do not work, start talking to the people who can help.

Let us get it right for the safety of residents and other road users, without any political points scored for MPs or any prejudice shown against any particular group of road users.

STEVEN FORSYTH, St John's Street, Great Harwood.

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