your correspondent Richard Grant (Wrong direction for safer roads, Have Your Say, September 24) brings up an interesting point: “It is illegal to go more than 70mph, so why so much emphasis on speed? Build safe and comfortable cars with energy-saving engines.”

Why shouldn’t we physically limit car speed to 70mph and perhaps impose strict power-to-weight ratios?

This would allow people to own large-engined cars for long distance driving while capping their potential for acceleration, and in the process limit their consumption of petrol and emission of pollutants.

One of the problems with faster roads like motorways and fast A-roads is one of speed differential. The greater the difference between the fastest and slowest vehicles, the more accidents.

Limiting vehicles would reduce the higher end and so be safer.

I’d be interested to hear what other people think of this.

If you feel strongly about this issue, do check the Echo online forums for updates. I’m sure there’ll be a few!

Mike Chalkley, Cowper Road, Bournemouth