BBC faces 'Top Gear' speeding row

The BBC's Top Gear has been accused of glorifying speeding in a recent episode of the programme.

Grampian Fire and Rescue Joint Board convener Mike Raeburn has expressed concern in an open letter to Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson, encouraging him to challenge the corporation over the matter.

His move follows a number of recent road deaths in the north-east of Scotland.

In the letter, Raeburn commented: "It is with complete incredulity that I watched the most recent edition of the BBC's Top Gear programme when a speeding ticket from America was produced showing a vehicle travelling at 210mph in a 60mph zone.

"The presenters, led by [Jeremy] Clarkson, seemed to find this hugely amusing, further reinforcing the programme's theme that inappropriate speed is okay.

"There is apparently a culture within the production team that refuses to see the effect that this continual reinforcement of the 'speed is good' message has on the viewers, particularly the younger ones."

Responding to the criticism, a BBC spokesperson said: "If Mike Raeburn or Stewart Stevenson would like to contact the BBC about these concerns, they will be responded to in due course."