Viewpoint: Party Wall etc. Act 1996

This month's letters discuss media coverage of structural engineering, the thorny issue of 'reasonably practicable', the role of the principal designer, the need for greater recognition of temporary works, and the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.

Angus Palmer enjoys this well-researched book describing the evolution of engineering technology and tools from the early Bronze Age to the Greek and Roman empires, and believes it will appeal to both engineers and the public at large.

This new guide for principal designers under CDM 2015 by and large offers pragmatic advice on how the role may be undertaken, concludes Steve Jones.