Letter: Cars that foul the air while going nowhere

Sir: The idleness of our government in its failure to take action over photochemical smog is only matched by the idling engines of the ignorant. Last week I witnessed two examples, both within a stone's throw of the Independent's offices: a taxi driver fast asleep at the wheel, his engine running and diesel fumes pouring out of the exhaust, and a courier van, its motor also ticking over as the driver settled down on a mattress in the back to read the Sun.

Surely such scenes must prompt urgent action on this new offence of reckless (non-) driving?

Yours,

PHILIP HOARE

London, N1

24 July