No substitute for traffic police

The Express & Star editorial comment which put forward suggestions regarding the tragic deaths of young motorists was excellent. However, the problem in the United Kingdom is that we have a government which believes the answer to every crisis or problem is more legislation.Increasing legal powers and the rule of law are fine, if you have a credible method of enforcement.

In the case of road traffic, the statute book is overflowing with enforceable law; the problem is that chief officers of police, for a variety of reasons, have virtually eradicated or reduced traffic policing to what can now be best described as an ad hoc strategy.

That is not a criticism of those on the ground left with the job, but directed at those at the top who make policy and budget decisions.

Policing of our motorway network has been virtually replaced by Highways Agency traffic officers, who have little more power than Joe Public. They do a first-class job in terms of what they are trained to do but the boy racer, white van maniac or HGV driver (see if I can nudge your bumper) are fully aware of their enforcement limitations.

I do not accept the argument put forward, that what is left of the "real" motorway police concentrates on the travelling criminal.

This concept, similar to technological enforcement, is a cost-cutting exercise, and if we are discussing travelling criminals, surely an aggressive or reckless driver who kills or maims on the road fits the bill adequately.

There is no substitute for a high-profile, visible presence in any form of policing and that includes the enforcement and advising of driving standards on our roads.

It cannot be acceptable that I can drive on the M5 from Oldbury to Exeter, and then on A roads to Cornwall, and not see one liveried police vehicle.

Barry A Mason, Bullmeadow Lane, Wombourne.