I WRITE in response to Ian Fidler's letter concerning penalty points (Advertiser, July 23). I am 20 years old and due to a new law of recent years, I have lost my licence for receiving six penalty points within two years of passing my test.

I had completed a year and three quarters of perfect driving but then within a week I was caught by speed cameras travelling at 35 and 36mph.

I paid the first fine and accepted the points. As a student, £60 is a great deal of money and I was driving cautiously thereafter. I had truly learnt my lesson.

The second offence was confused with another claim and I received several confusing letters from the DVLA and in consequence, I did not receive the second fine and penalty points until 10 weeks later, when my licence was automatically withdrawn.

Since then I have had to re-apply for a provisional, re-take my theory test - which now has a new section - and I am now due to re-take the practical test, all of which has cost me more than £200.

Once I have passed my test, my insurance will rise dramatically and I will have another two years on probation with the six points still on my licence, which means I can make no mistakes else I will be in the same position all over again.

Who can honestly say they will not exceed 30mph in two years?

I feel cheated by the law. I accept I was in the wrong but I may as well have been travelling at 100mph, it would have made no difference.

I am a good driver but a combined offence of 5mph (33 being the limit before penalty points are issued) has cost me a lot of money, time and my freedom.

I would like to think Ian is now feeling very happy with his three points now he has read this and considered my position.

Name and address supplied