Through the end of 2012 and into 2013 we have experienced black ice conditions maybe six or nine times within the City of Langley.

We have experienced cars off the road, and mishaps that put the City at risk.

Police, ambulance, and fire vehicles are not equipped with some magic system to keep them safely operating on roads adorned with ice.

This could put the City in a lawsuit position. As crazy as that may appear, it still costs taxpayers to defend themselves.

In prior years, Langley City has been second to none when it came to snow removal and ice control. What happened? The head of public works told us standards have not changed.

Well, the application of the standards sure has.

To wait until Mother Nature warms up to free the ice is not proper or prudent. We only have 80 kilometres of roads to patrol and service. City residents pay higher taxes than many Metro Vancouver municipalities, but we have enjoyed the luxury of amazing public work services in general.

We have also been informed by council the City is debt-free, so don't play the budget card. We give casino grants away - perhaps we should make sure there is a little surplus to ensure roads are safe to travel this time of the year.

The City works manger needs to pay closer attention to the 6 p.m. weather portion of the news show. Whatever Vancouver is going to get, we will be colder by at least 2 degrees, I have determined from 30 years of living here.

I made a choice and bought a home in Langley City, and I pay my taxes as required and expected.

I also expect the roads to be worth their salt.

Les Campbell, Langley City