I AM becoming fascinated by the debate on "speed cameras".

Are these (digital) cameras just speed cameras, or will they be multi-functional, and therefore capable of surveillance, as well as automatically "writing out" speeding tickets?

If they have a surveillance role, like CCTV, I can see the logic of the Government funding the expansion.

If, on the other hand, these "speed cameras" are there to "reduce accidents", it strikes me that these measures are illogical.

Most deaths on the roads, and consequently accidents, involve the under-30s.

Therefore, if we were serious about the need to reduce speeding and accidents, the solution is not cameras.

The solution is to ban all those beneath the age of 30 from driving or riding motorcycles.

That measure would substantially reduce speeding offences.

It would mean thousands of lives would be saved each year.

And it would reduce the numbers injured by tens of thousands.

Such a measure would also have the effect of substantially reducing traffic and pollution.

N TAYLOR, Worcester.

n THE Faithful City is about to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester.

I congratulate the organisers for all their hard work and sincerely hope the festivities are a great success.

Worcester played a pivotal role in the Civil War and this weekend's events will no doubt reflect this.

JIM STOTE, Worcester.