More than meets the eye
Page 31
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I READ with interest the article (CM, August 3M on CB radio, which I had hoped would have come down on the side of the protagonists of such broadcasting. The fact that it did not is neither here nor there, but I would hope that that view is held by Mr Sherriff personally and is not that of the magazine as a whole.
I am an editor of a magazine that relates to the London Underground railway system and its past. I do not allow my personal views to colour my maga zine, and any points made by me in print are expressly said to be my own. I hope that that is the same with CM.
Every individual has the right to his or her view, and Mr Sherriff is entitled as of right to state his. However, it is a right of free speech to reply to adverse comments, and I would like to see a representative of one of the various associations propounding the advantages of CB replying in a future issue of CM because, in my own view, the case for CB radio is virtually indefensible. Even if only one life was saved by CB radio, then that is sufficient consideration for its legalisation.
I do not use a CB set for obvious reasons, but were it to be legalised I would be one of the first in the queue for a set. I personally would pay any licence fee demanded, and comply with any regulations made. I would not, repeat not, grow tired of using a set. It is not a toy, any more than a phone is. It is a lifesaver.
However, the 27MHz frequency is unsuitable, and really, what is needed is a converter from 27MHz to whatever frequency is needed. Surely that is possible?
Presumably there will be regulations concerning the siting of sets in the vehicle so as to prevent undue "stretching" to use the set. Still, have you any figures for accidents caused by drivers going out of control whilst, and because of, using a CB set?
Presumably you can produce figures for the number of accidents involving taxis and other licensed radio-telephone users, caused in the same circumstances as above.
Anyhow, those are my views on the subject, but before I finish, may I remind you that widespread illegal usage in Australia forced the government there to legalise CB radio, and many countries in Europe and the Communist countries allow CB as well. Democratic Britain does not. It makes you think, does it not?
DAVID 0. HAYWARD Hounslow, Middx