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THE LETTER of the Week (CM 30 September) brought back memories for me!
Around 1970 I had travelled from the Isle of Wight in my signwritten 250JU VAN to collect a consignment of bagpipes and other items. The customer showed me a route via The Mall in London. We were stopped by a police officer and warned that we were breaking the law because we had insulted the Queen" in the police officer's words.
Initially we thought he was joking, but he said that no signwritten vehicles were allowed through the Royal Park areas as it may offend the Queen.
My customer felt responsible and told the officer that I was a simple country soul totally unaware of this ancient law! We reached an agreement and I was able to leave by a side road.
Having been in business for more than 40 years I have recounted this tale many times, to much hilarity and disbelief (and it is due to be featured in the book I'm writing about my time in removals and deliveries) — so I am amazed to find that some things never change!
Alan Shepard Newport Isle of Wight