I broke down in my van going past the Royal Pier, Southampton, at about 4pm on Thursday, November 24, but I managed to coast in to Bugle Street.

Can I just express my thanks through the letters page to all the drivers who blasted their horns at me (was it a sign of support?) and the waving (and various other hand signals) which kept my spirits up whilst waiting for a tow truck.

RICHARD KINGDOM, Hythe.