Could you please clarify the position regarding the use of automatic transmission when stationary at traffic lights. I seem to recall your advice given some time ago, was to select neutral and hold on the brake for any long stationary period, to prevent the gearbox working unnecessary. This is the practice that I use, and consider it to be correct. However I have just received my latest copy of the advanced drivers magazine, and the advice is different. Someone wrote a letter, stating that when in Australia he was told he would fail a test if he put the car into neutral at traffic lights, he then asked for the editors comments as to how it applies in the UK, and I quote. "When stopping at traffic lights in an automatic car I would criticise you for slipping the the vehicle into neutral. The vehicle should hold its position without creep with the handbrake on if it is correctly maintained. The principle of an automatic vehicle is that it is automatic-so it does the work, not you. To emphasise this point there are automatics in the commercial world which do not have a neutral position available to the driver." This is perhaps a matter of preference, but I would appreciate your comments.