Madam, - I welcome the proposal by Minister of State Ivor Callely to ban darkened windows and cap noise levels from engines to discourage the development of customised cars is to be welcomed.
However, I feel the planned order should be extended to include curbs on noise levels from other offending vehicles such as motor bikes, a ban on bull bars on all motor vehicles, especially SUVs, and mandatory tests for bicycles.
Furthermore, in view of the number of agencies now charged with road safety, I feel it would be appropriate to clearly define and perhaps co-ordinate the responsibilities of such agencies as An Garda Síochána, the National Car Test Service, the National Roads Authority and the National Safety Council under the umbrella of one authority to ensure greater effectiveness, policing and safety. - Yours, etc,
PETER GAUGHAN, Monkstown, Co Dublin.