The compulsory vehicle tests

Sir,

My thirteen-year-old Rover has not been the same since she was ten-year tested.

Whereas before, her head was high and demeanour proud, she is now ashamed and low. You see, she failed. She suffered the ignominy of a “fail” certificate tucked in her steering wheel for other cars to see. It said that she suffered a perishing hydraulic brake hose at the rear. How could she explain to them that Rovers of her age were not fitted with such brakes and that the offending hose was really for auto-lubrication ? I was able to explain this on collection but I know that, for her, the stigma remains.

Incidentally, I was b – – – – – annoyed to find her cloth upholstery badly soiled by dirty overalls.

Ten-year test; phooey !

I am, Yours, etc.

AJ Niven. Hillingdon.

[The Government should not have insisted on such tests until official, properly-staffed, unbiased test stations were available.—Ed.]