I WAS walking down Hull Road towards Green Dykes Lane, struggling in the snow as dusk approached on New Year’s Day. I smiled as a snow plough passed, ploughing the snow in the dark.

To my anger, I saw the driver was holding a mobile phone, talking, in those weather conditions. He was clearing the road to make it safe for others, and in actual fact causing more danger to other people at the same time It’s not the first time I’ve seen council vehicles being driven with drivers on their mobile. It is vital that they should be made compulsorily hands-free, before someone is hurt.

J Walker, York.

• A City of York Council spokeswoman said: “The council takes health and safety very seriously.

“Our policy clearly states that the use of mobile phones while driving is not allowed in any circumstances, even hands-free. All staff are aware of this, so the driver would appear to be in breach of that policy.”