French lessons

FOR the past 40 years, our family holidays have involved towing a caravan around the Continent, regularly travelling more than 1,500 miles each time.

Years ago the road surfaces of many of the countries we visited left a lot to be desired. British roads had less congestion, better surfaces and grass verges, and there was less litter.

My family and I have recently spent two weeks in France, during which we travelled 1,400 miles, and can’t believe

how things have changed. French roads have improved beyond belief – the roads are better than in the UK. Grass verges and hedgerows were cut short everywhere we went, road surfaces were smooth and pothole-free, the lack of congestion was remarkable and — best of all — fly tipping and litter don’t exist.

Returning to Portsmouth, we were confronted by roadside litter everywhere – plastic articles, general rubbish, even an old mattress.

I never thought I’d say it all those years ago, but now the French can teach us a thing or two about roads and cleanliness — and their diesel fuel is the equivalent of 82p a litre.

BRIAN BAILEY, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks.