Traffic Gripe

I read with interest Jacqueline Kearns's letter about her e-bike. I too have bought an e-bike but have hesitated taking it onto the main road, as I cannot get it insured for theft. I also do not wish to break the law, which is totally confusing.

The Minister for the Environment, Noel Dempsey, says e-bikes are classed as motor vehicles and therefore subject to motor tax, vehicle-registration tax and motor insurance, just like mopeds.

I find it difficult to understand how e-bikes are classed as such, as they are only power-assisted vehicles - that is, if you don't pedal, you don't get any power.

I understand that garda∅ will turn a blind eye - yet another Irish solution to an Irish problem. I believe that e-bikes are not treated in this way in any other country.

I have lobbied my two local TDs and understand that the Department of the Environment has been evaluating e-bikes for over a year, with no firm conclusions.

What an incentive to get out of your car!

Sandra Wagstaff, Dublin

Why do drivers who correctly switch on their rear red fog lights on foggy mornings, as they go to work, forget to switch them off when driving home on clear dark evenings? Have you ever been in a line of home-bound traffic for l5 miles, behind someone with red fog lights blinding you?

I've often pulled over to the hard shoulder and stopped for a few minutes, to let the thoughtless driver go on ahead.

Please switch off fog lights when there's no fog.

P. Fitzgibbon, Gort, Co Galway

My gripe is with the motorist who leaves yawning gaps between his/her car and the car ahead during rush hour. This gap can be equivalent to the length of one to three cars. The consequence of this for those travelling behind is that the opportunity to go forward with lights permitting, is missed.

The "yawning gap" driver who fails to go forward with the flow is selfish and has a lot to answer for.

I favour some form of admonishment for the "yawning gap" driver.

Joan Doherty, Dublin