J P COBB bemoans the £30 fixed penalty issued to the driver of a car using fog lights inappropriately (Letters, February 4).

If this was a genuine mistake a warning would probably have been sufficient. However, I am sure many other drivers must be as irritated as myself at the widespread use of front fog lights in good visibility.

Front fog lights typically use identical 55 watt halogen bulbs to those used in dipped headlights. However, the latter are required to have a diffused beam pattern, which is subject to an MOT test, to avoid unnecessary glare to oncoming drivers.

Front fog lights are not restricted in this way and are designed to pick out road markings in severely-reduced visibility at low speeds.

Anyone using these lights for other purposes is inviting attention from the police.

K Wellburn,

The Village,

Strensall, York.

Updated: 11:11 Friday, February 15, 2002