Sir, - Monday, 8.52 a.m: Leave house. Reach first traffic lights 18 minutes later. 9.33: Arrive at office. Journey time 41 minutes; distance 6.2 miles; average speed 9 m.p.h.
Tuesday. Presidential inauguration. Hurrah! Schools off. 8:52: Leave house. Reach first traffic lights three minutes later. 9:09: Arrive at office. Journey time 17 minutes; average speed 22 m.p.h.
Mary, you've been in office for less than a day, and already you've reduced traffic delays by 140 per cent. - Yours, etc.,
Dargle Wood, Dublin 16.