In Witney we used to have a single traffic warden. His name was Roger and everyone knew him.

Roger operated in an efficient manner but also exercised common sense and reason. We are now blessed with several emotionless people in green uniforms, who have never even heard of reason.

These people have been given the title community officers (not to be confused with community support officers, who do a very good job supporting the police).

I have just witnessed an event which would appear to suggest we are now going down the route where bonuses for results is the norm for parking control.

Two courier vans, one a medical supplies company delivering to Boots, were issued with tickets.

Both were parked on the taxi rank in the High Street, the rank was virtually empty at the time, so no obstruction was caused.

Staff and management from Boots, along with the driver tried to reason with the community officer but to no avail. He just shrugged, smirked and continued processing the tickets and photographing the vehicles as onlookers watched in disbelief.

I`’m sure most people would agree we don’t need these sort of power-seeking individuals patrolling our streets and would urge our local council to give these people some training in reason and people skills, so they can carry out the role we as taxpayers are paying them for, ie to improve our community and not alienate themselves.

I know Roger has now donned the green uniform but I assume he still conducts himself in the same manner as before.

GRAHAM REED, Mountfield Road, Witney