Just after Christmas last year the Echo carried a report claiming zero tolerance on various driving offences by Insp Dick Thomas, who had just taken over as supremo of Laindon traffic police.

Having seen no noticeable improvement in the numbers I see breaking the law, while I was walking along Laindon High Road between 5.45pm and 6.10pm last Sunday, I made a note of all obvious transgressors.

There were some 14 drivers blatantly breaking the 30mph speed limit.

Others were probably over the limit, but not so obviously, so I did not count those.

There were six cars with only one headlight, eight cars with only one rear light or brake light and one driving with no lights at all.

One car shot through the red lights at the corner of Durham Road right beside our police station without even slowing down.

So, in the space of 35 minutes strolling along I saw a total of 29 road traffic offences, and that does not include those who were driving with fog lights on in contravention of the rules.

So much for zero tolerance!

What happens if Mr Thomas turns a blind eye?

Of course, he can't have police eyes everywhere, but no notice is taken if members of the public report dangerous drivers. The offence has to be witnessed by a police officer.

It seems the lunatics have well and truly taken over the asylum.

Victor York
Buller Road
Laindon