Sir – A recent bus timetable explains why number 4 buses have been painted purple. It’s to make them “much easier to identify”.

Reassuring for those who cannot read the number 4, but what about people who use other routes? I hope they won’t all get a bright new distinctive colour.

I am reminded of a recent letter from a bank with a local branch which is making it easier to compare their accounts: “This will make it simpler to choose an account that is right for you.” But at the expense of cutting the interest by almost three-quarters! I was having no difficulty in comparing accounts or in recognising the number 4 bus. I do wish officials would leave these things alone.

Roger Moreton
Oxford