In reply to David Brown, Wishy washy on errant cyclists (Oxford Mail, June 17), I feel that he does not appreciate that police officers, who were world famous as the symbol of law and order, are not the same as those trading under that name today.

Our new breed of social workers (legal section) are more concerned, thanks to their civilian bureaucrat bosses, with their own health and safety and human rights than yours.

They are not the police officers people remember, walking or cycling the beat, in all weathers, night and day, and who dealt with whatever arose for the benefit of the public.

Mr Brown was being booked for not wearing a seatbelt and nothing would be allowed to interfere. But it speaks volumes that a cyclist would speed by on the pavement in full view of a police officer, knowing that nothing would be said and that the officer did not in fact even seem to know that this was an offence (Road Traffic Act, maximum fine £500).

This is the reason that cyclists are so arrogant, as those supposed to enforce the law no longer bother. Perhaps I might suggest a cycling safety partnership, with the police being allowed to keep the fines (as speed cameras), then we would see thousands of cyclists reported every week for cycling on the pavement, having no lights and crossing red lights.

Until then, Mr Brown, like the rest of us, you're on your own.

DEREK SMITH, London Road, Headington, Oxford