norman baker, the liberal-democrats' environment spokesman, has suggested that 4x4 vehicles be banned from the school run and from being used to visit the supermarket.



nice idea, norman, as is your idea for getting these piles of shit marketed in a more responsible manner. but the thing is, the fucking things should not be allowed on the road at all.



they are registered as agricultural vehicles and enjoy dispensation from much safety legislation for that reason. this is bollocks. they are more dangerous than other vehicles. they are heavier, higher and wider than most cars, so anyone who has the misfortune to collide with one of these heaps of crap is going to get hurt - badly. their bumpers are higher than other cars', so they tend to ride over and to crush vehicles they collide with.



unless someone can prove a requirement - for farm- or site-work, for towing etc - then they should not be allowed to buy or hire one. if they are allowed to own one and they use it for other than its proper role, they should be fined heavily and receive a criminal conviction rather than just a few points on their license.