Letter: In Brief

Wednesday 12 May 1999 00:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: John Lichfield reports (11 May) that French authorities are chopping down Napoleon's roadside trees to reduce deaths from cars smashing into them. I was surprised to see no mention of the placing of guard rails along the side of the road in accident blackspots to keep the one from the other. Here in Japan guard rails are all over the place, ugly but presumably effective. Have the French authorities not considered this option, or is it simply cheaper to cut down the trees?

PIERS DOWDING

Okayama,

Japan

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Letter: In Brief

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering