Although we do not publish anonymous letters, names can be withheld for publication. We reserve the right to edit letters.
All letters should be submitted to deputy group news editor Christopher Walton, either via email to christopher.walton@rbi.co.uk or in writing to Christopher Walton, Road Transport Group, Quadrant House, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS.
It's with sadness that I report the death of Alan Sharpe. He was one of those people that you met and remembered, and was very genuine.
Most people will remember Alan from his act of bravery that got him on television with Esther Rantzen. It must have been 1996 and Alan was weekended at the Wally Stop in Eynatten, Belgium, near the German border.
Alan was in his truck when he heard a loud explosion, and saw the restaurant on fire. Being an ex-para, he ran straight into the burning building, pulling out a number of members of staff and passing them through a window to safety before having to retreat himself.
He received several awards for his act of bravery as did another driver who helped on that fateful day, even being invited over to Belgium where he was presented with an award by the King and Queen.
The fact that Alan couldn't save everyone haunted him and made him very ill and he suffered for many years afterwards.
When I last saw him in 2004, he was still battling his demons and was even doing the occasional driving job.
The battle was won, but it would seem not the war. Rest in peace.
John Hunt
Mendlesham
Suffolk
I think all in the industry wish that the road transport sector was better represented, valued and recognised by those in government.
It was therefore interesting to read your article "Kelly's Heroes" (CM 29 July), an interview with Chris Kelly MP (left).
It's difficult to not be disheartened though, given the new MP's vague recollection as to whether the Road Haulage Association had written or not and the statement that anyone who had written within the first few weeks had wasted their time.
Even CM appears to have been lucky to "snatch" a couple of hours for the interview.
However, there were positive elements like finding the next generation of industry champions, improving education of the public and getting people into HGV cabs. These are all laudable ideas, but none are particularly new.
The missing link is how to achieve these and engineer the political will to do so. Apart from the "opinion-editorials in major national publications" there was no explanation as to how these initiatives are to be realised and I was left feeling somewhat disappointed.
Paul Norman
Southampton
So, Postman Pat reckons he can get 78mph out of his Bedford HA Van? And 0-60mph in 26 secs? ("Action Van," CM 12 August). All I can say is, "I wish..."
My old, but lovingly restored, HA (left) wheezes to about 55mph tops (after about two minutes!), and anything faster leads to a vibration in the steering wheel so bad that you have to lay off the accelerator.
The best I've got out of it is 63mph - and that was going downhill! Still, it is fun to drive (if you're not in a rush)...
Pip Dunn
Spalding
