Your views: Autumn 2025

Identifying the real Tasman Bridge vehicle

As a former office holder of a club devoted to early-model Holdens, I noted with interest the claim that a vehicle on display at TMAG is the station wagon pictured on the edge of the Tasman Bridge gap in 1975.

The vehicle pictured in 1975 was clearly an EK model Special station sedan, manufactured from May 1961 to July 1962. However, the display vehicle appears to be an earlier FB model, built between January 1960 and May 1961.

Both models are similar, but features like the grille, bonnet chrome, badging, air scoop and indicator lights on the display vehicle are consistent with the FB, not the EK. Unless it was converted to the earlier model, it cannot be the vehicle from 50 years ago.

Richard Lennard

Are LED headlights too bright?

The new strong LED headlights (and aftermarket additions) may work well for those using them, but I question their safety for others. They dazzle and restrict vision when approaching from the front and are worse when behind, with light bouncing off mirrors and surfaces. In Tasmania, where rural driving is common, these lights are a bigger issue. What is the legal situation with LED headlights? Are they dangerous?

Victoria Wilkinson

Editor's note: LED headlights, including aftermarket additions, are legal in Tasmania if they meet Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and are properly aligned to avoid dazzling other drivers. If you’re concerned about the brightness of headlights, it’s recommended to have your vehicle inspected to ensure compliance. Drivers are also encouraged to maintain safe following distances to minimise light glare for others on the road.

Parking on footpaths: why it happens

Your response to Sandra Hodge about parking on footpaths was correct under the law, but it didn’t address ‘why’. Some people are selfish, but often the issue is councils’ anticar policies, leaving no reasonable options. Our trend for postagestamp building blocks and highdensity living also contributes. If councils want legal parking, they need to ensure it’s possible.

Keith Anderson

Modern cars and visibility issues

In modern cars, visibility is dangerously decreasing. Snub-nosed bonnets, sloping pillars and upward-sloping side windows are the norm, with limited views through rear windows. While my new car has cameras and mirrors, parking is a nightmare – and I’m not alone. Left-hand merges feel like an act of faith: I turn on the indicator and hope for the best.

Beth Rees

Saving swans: a frustrating experience

Kathleen Miller’s letter in your summer edition about swans at Bridgewater struck a chord with me. Recently, I saw a swan attacked and killed by a dog – and another on the same day.

I contacted Brighton Council about putting up a breeding information sign, and they said they would pass my message on. However, it’s clear they have no intention of doing so. Watching the bird being killed really upset me.

Keith Goldsmith

Dangerous turns at KFC Mowbray

A ‘No right turn’ sign is needed at the KFC exit in Mowbray. Drivers often make illegal right turns, crossing a continuous white line and cutting in front of traffic to access the traffic-light lane at Invermay and Vermont roads. The lawful option is to use the Coles traffic lights and make a legal turn.

Jill Breen