• THIS is a copy of a letter I’ve just sent to the Mayor of London:

Dear Sadiq Khan,

Increase in charges for older cars.

I have just read of the plans to make owning a small, older, car in London very difficult indeed for those of moderate means who can’t afford a new car and have looked after their small cars and had regular MOT tests which give them emission levels below the ones required.

I wonder how these people will manage. I don’t own a car myself but several of my neighbours do. Some of them use their cars for work and although not classified as disabled are not fit and healthy enough to face the rigours of public transport.

Most of these people will, no doubt find a way to deal with lack of transport, but some will be rendered unemployed.

There are also people who need to travel long distances to remote places without public transport and also those (like plumbers and electricians) who use heavy equipment which can’t be taken on the bus.

Would it not be fairer to make the MOT emission requirement more stringent, as it seems it is not fit for purpose, and allow those who take care of their vehicles to continue to use them?

GLORIA MAY
Chiltern Street, W2