Letters: Frightening menaces for many motorists

This letter sent to the star was written by Mike Dodgson, Marchwood, S6
SmogSmog
Smog

Before the successful clean air acts, (1954, 68, 74), that vastly improved the reduction of air pollution, in towns and cities, fogs would become saturated with smoke and fumes from the likes of open coal fires, industrial furnaces and ovens creating deadly thick smogs.

Visibility could be reduced to several yards, if not feet.

At times, Sheffield bus conductors walked in front of buses to assist the driver.

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Following the war years, and years of genuine poverty, it was no surprise that the public wasn't too concerned as to the health dangers.

Fortunately, in those days there was much less traffic on our roads, thus less congestion and vehicle exhaust fumes.

Also, we had bus conductors.

Almost coinciding with the completion of the clean air acts' progress came the start of the construction of new motorways.

Dense fogs and freezing fogs soon became frightening menaces for many vehicle drivers on motorways, even after the speed limit was reduced to 70mph.

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The conditions, (viz visibility), on some sections of motorways, particularly in vales and valleys, could change rapidly if not instantly with far too often fatal consequences.

Largely because of modern traffic management schemes, accurate weather warnings and education, the incidences of pile-ups have significantly decreased.

However, the risks are still there.

Some motorists will choose to use A roads or put off their journey for later.

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