Insp Malcolm Collis shows all the usual arrogance one comes to expect from British police officers in his views over speed cameras (Oxford Mail, November 13).

Could someone please tell him that donning a blue uniform (and in his case a bright yellow coat) does not automatically give him access to the fount of all knowledge.

Does reaching the giddy height of inspector (two ranks above constable) make him a guru? Does he know more than the Government's advisers? Whether hidden or not, cameras become known.

If they are seen at the last moment, emergency braking and accidents occur - the reverse of what is intended.

He should remember the purpose of his chosen career - to uphold the laws of the land, not dictate them. It is a clich, but the police still find the motorist easy prey. There are more important issues for them to be getting on with.

It is not for the police to find ways of taxing people. Gordon Brown knows well enough how to do that!

It is not speed per se which causes accidents, but speed in the wrong place and, more importantly, bad driving.

PAUL BUTLER

Abingdon