The news that Volvo...

The news that Volvo is recalling nearly half a million cars (35,000 in Britain) due to a fire risk from short-circuited radiator fan motors is just the latest safety scare. Last year, it called back 360,000 US models for engine speed control faults. But the Swedish firm is by no means an exception. In 2002, Ford recalled 600,000 mainly US Focuses over a fire safety issue and, two years ago, 360,000 models were affected by potentially faulty rear-door latches. Last year, Toyota recalled one million cars for steering problems; in the States, it called back more vehicles than it had sold. In Japan, the company became the subject of a criminal investigation over allegations that it delayed a safety recall for eight years following a steering defect on its best-selling Hilux model.

Most people would rather...

Most people would rather councils erect speed-triggered "slow down" signs than Gatsos. But the Association of British Drivers has warned motorists may ignore them unless numbers are limited. A spokesman said: "The devices must only be placed where there"s a problem to which drivers need to be alerted."