LISTENING to the BBC Radio 4 programme “You and Yours”on December 21, I was impressed by what I heard.

The programme was about the present wintry conditions and what the authorities and people did to help to combat these situations in other countries.

For example, in Finland people have to fit studded tyres to their vehicles by law.

In Germany, people had snow tyres fitted to their vehicles because the deeper treads enabled them to travel more safely.

In one country the authorities invested in more snow ploughs to keep airport runways clear all the time, and are buying even more snow ploughs in 2011.

In the State of Michigan, people have to keep their house and shop fronts clear of snow.

In New York, people evidently much together in clearing away the snow whenever necessary.

Also, their refuse vehicles are fitted with snow ploughs at the same time.

We still have a bit to learn in Britain.

Roland Bramham, Richmond.