How can Supt Martin Deacon, head of road policing for North Yorkshire, change the law at will?

I am a law-abiding citizen but very confused at the legal alcohol limit ('No limits', December 11).

After having one pint, five hours later I would legally be able to drive. But the police say I would get a compulsory driving ban for 12 months, a licence endorsement of three to 11 points, be fined up to £5,000 and or could get six months' jail for having a trace of alcohol in my system.

I don't endorse drink-driving at all for obvious reasons, but are we meant to know when a trace of alcohol is out of their system?

One, two, three days after a pint? I don't know. Does anyone else?

N Hillen,

Wains Road,

Dringhouses, York.

Updated: 10:37 Saturday, December 18, 2004