IN response to Allan Ramsay’s letter (The Bolton News, November 8).

I agree that there are millions of motorists who are speed freaks and who are burning more fuel than is necessary.

I also agree that we can all save fuel by reducing speed and that there are many greedy companies out there which profit at others’ expense.

But does he not realise that the high cost of fuel impacts on everyone, from the young to the old?

The transportation of most goods is done via the road network, thus increasing the cost of everyday products, especially the essentials such as food.

The increase in fuel costs also increases household energy bills for everyone. What I am saying is that the oil companies and energy companies are quick to pass on increases but seem reluctant to lower prices when the cost of oil plummets.

The gas and electricity companies have increased prices by more than 50 per cent in this last 18 months or so, but the oil prices have dropped by 60 per cent in the last few months, with the cost of a barrel of oil now being $57 per barrel.

There are millions of elderly people who cannot afford to heat their homes this winter and many will die of hypothermia because of this.

Also many ordinary working class people are in fuel poverty and are having to go without essential items just to survive.

Mr Ramsay also seems to resent people from owning and driving large cars. But why shouldn’t a person who has worked hard and can afford to not be able to drive the car of their choice?

And even if they do drive a large car why should they be penalised with higher fines for speeding because of that?

Where is his sense of fairness in one punishment for all who are caught speeding?

If he wants a just legal system then the penalty should be the same for all, regardless of the size of a persons’ vehicle.

And no, I don’t drive a large car. I drive a Polo and I have no points for speeding, as I stick to the speed limits most of the time.

Just in case he thinks I am favouring one particular group of drivers, I am all for a fairer system that enables all people to live life without being trapped in poverty because of the greed of large conglomerates which seem bent on ripping off ordinary people.

Paul Murphy Malvern Close Farnworth