I READ the report of the automatic car which developed a fault and ran out of control in St. Benedict Road, York and the woman's driver's struggle to control it (December 28).

Without wishing to criticise her driving in any way, it occurs to me that if blind panic does not set in, there is one quick way of stopping the revving engine of any runaway vehicle - turn off the ignition. The only trouble is that it's a bit like avoiding the urge to brake hard when a car is skidding - fine in theory, but quite difficult in practice!

Martin Hayton,

Hallard Way,

Strensall, York.

Updated: 10:36 Wednesday, January 02, 2002