I write about the inappropriate positioning of camera vans on double yellow lines and cycle lanes.

This picture was taken on Friday, October 26, at 9.30am.

The camera van is parked on the cycle lane on the Oxford Eastern Bypass heading towards Headington roundabout, about 100 yards from the bridge over the bypass.

I am in favour of traffic cameras when appropriately placed near schools or dangerous junctions, for example.

However, too many camera vans are inappropriately placed around Oxford, specifically on the Eastern Bypass and in Watlington Road.

The picture shows that to avoid the van, cyclists have to ride on the grass or on the footpath.

This van is, therefore, creating new hazards for cyclists and pedestrians.

I would not want to think about the consequences or the headlines if a cyclist hit a young child or a pregnant lady because of the inappropriate positioning of that camera van.

The Highway Code clearly states that you must not park on a road marked with double white lines and a cycle lane.

If the primary function of those vans and operators is to make our roads safer, they should lead by example and obey the Highway Code.

In my example, the van is parked on a cycle lane and the van/operator is therefore disobeying the Highway Code.

How can they justify their presence on our roads if the first thing they do is park inappropriately, then enforce a Highway Code that they are not obeying themselves?

I would also point out that these people have a big image issue.

Most of us believe that their presence on our roads is for one only purpose - revenue.

I would be interested to know if a study has been made about how much the operators know about the Highway Code.

I believe if they started reading and obeying the Highway Code, they might have a better chance of addressing their image problem.

I would like to know what your readers think about this issue.

JACK MORGAN-SMITH Cat Lane Stadhampton