A BOOK on Hambledon, Hampshire, was bought for me via Amazon. Although it was supposed to have been sent straight to me it was not, it went to the person who had ordered it. (Hambledon has historical connections with Basingstoke).

The postage paid on this book was £2.70, and the weight 0.729kg, classified as a large letter. In March a birthday card, (sent in a standard-sized envelope), was sent with three packets of seeds and a thin bar of chocolate to me. Although two second-class stamps were put on, I was obliged to pay a further £1.50 and collect this from the postal facility in Priestley Road. At this place, the tired man almost gave me the wrong letter!

In comparison to the book, I would think that the weight of the birthday card was about half the weight. It looks as though in money enough had been paid, but a computer system makes a wrong assumption. It might have been that if the sender had just put one first or second class stamp on, it would have got through the system. Oh for the days of the price of a postage stamp being put on such?

Last summer I bought a 15-year-old car. I wondered why the rear window catch had been broken. On my drive, I usually leave the ignition in the car. Then one day I got locked out. As I only have one key, I was obliged to use a screwdriver to take out the rear window to get in. A friend informed me that on one occasion he got locked in.

It looks to me as though in time computer chips weaken. So, if the authorities think that self-driving cars are going to lead to accident-free roads they are deluding themselves.

Paul FitzPatrick

Winklebury Way

Basingstoke

Send letters by email to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk or by post to Editor, Basingstoke Gazette, Absolutely Offices, Lutyens Cl, Lychpit, Basingstoke RG24 8AG.

All letters and emails must include full names and addresses (anonymous letters will not be published), although these details may be withheld from publication, on request.

Letters of 300 words or less will be given priority, although all are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, or legal requirements. We reserve the right to edit letters.