Our January issue carried items concerning the possible consequences of the EU Vehicle End of Life Directive, notably the suggestion that lead wheel balance weights might be banned for fitting as original equipment. Tin weights were suggested as a possible alternative. The article stirred up a very strong reaction from the pro-lead weights lobby, which is indicative of the depth of feeling that the matter can generate in the industry. As well as a letter from the Lead Development Association, Hofmann asked if they could answer some of the points raised in the article. We are always ready to put the other side of an argument, so this article examines the case for continuing with lead on economic, technological and practical grounds.