The incentive I did not want to renew my driving licence

T'S probably due to my lifelong habit of driving small, elderly cars that I have never been caught speeding. That and the fact I am a law-abiding citizen, of course.

- BECKY SHEAVES

Our car choices as a family started years ago, with my husband explaining the wisdom of having one large vehicle that could pull a livestock trailer. Essential for farming folk like us. And then one small, economical set of wheels for other journeys. We would have a big car and a little car. We would choose which to drive based on good sense, economy and the desire not to pollute the planet.

In practice what happened was that the grand shiny 4x4 became John's car. And the antique VW Polo (or, previously, Honda Jazz, Renault Clio or Vauxhall Astra) was my car. Yes, John's Land Rover did pull trailers now and then. But it also bowled him around the countryside in style and comfort just because, well, he liked driving it.

Meanwhile, however, I was bumping along in something small and underwhelming. Most recently my mode of transport has been my mum's old Polo. Over the years this vehicle has grown more and more unimpressive, thanks to my habit of carrying two dogs in the boot and the fact I had dislodged a bit off the front which rattles.