I HAVE the pleasure of attending a speed awareness course soon as a result of a speeding notice issued by the safety camera team. Apparently I was ‘clocked’ at 69mph heading south on the Easingwold bypass.

I frequently drive from Thirsk to York on this road and know well that it is the safest section to overtake slow-moving traffic. It was dry, bright and clear, no side roads and no oncoming traffic for more than a quarter of a mile.

To overtake (two cars and a van travelling at approx 50mph) was entirely safe but, as any competent driver would confirm, it is best to complete the manoeuvre as quickly as is reasonable before returning to the appropriate lane and speed. It was in this latter stage of the process that I apparently transgressed.

If the safety camera team is actually serious about safety, they should patrol areas where there are clear safety issues, such as accident black-spots, and in vehicles more clearly distinguishable from others.

I’ve since seen one of the vans operating in the lay-by of the northbound traffic on the same section of road and remain saddened that they deem it necessary to undermine the reputation of the police in this way when a number of past chief constables seemed to have the job well in hand.

John Allan, South Kilvington, Thirsk.