Limit engine power

In the wake of continually improving engine design, car manufacturers have opted to increase the power output of a set engine size rather than maintaining a set power output using a smaller engine.

This decision manifests itself in two ways - first in excessive fuel consumption and second in cars simply being too powerful.

Modern family cars are capable of travelling at speeds approaching twice the legal maximum, with acceleration to match. This is not only ludicrous on today's crowded roads, but also facilitates decidedly dangerous driving.

The government is unlikely to take action as many speeding cars means plenty of revenue through speed cameras and fuel taxes. Manufacturers will not act as they perceive top speed as a marketable asset.

I would like to see companies take the lead by applying engine power limits to their company vehicles as part of their environmental policies.

John Halley, Edinburgh