I WAS very sorry to hear of Mr Francis Ray’s recent road rage experience and also of his dealings with the Constabulary – (July 15 edition of the SNJ – Letters page).

However it does highlight the fact that we have in this country a less than robust criminal justice system and this extends from the very top of the judiciary to the very bottom, ie police constable level, and some would argue a “not fit for purpose” system.

Now Mr Ray’s lane discipline may have been suspect – in the opinion of the officer concerned – but that in no way excuses the conduct of the other driver concerned who according to Mr Ray, overtook him, pulled in front and braked violently.

Mr Ray was here made to feel as if he was the offender and not the other person.

The officer concerned seems to have taken on the role of magistrate in making the decision that Mr Ray was guilty of careless driving.

If that was the case then why was Mr Ray not taken to court for careless driving along with the other driver for his bad driving and allow the magistrates to make the final decision – after all that is what they are there for?

We need to see more of a “can do” attitude as opposed to a “can’t do” attitude when it comes to law enforcement.

Mr Ray’s letter does not say whether the other driver was challenged by the police over his conduct but if not, that driver will now feel as if he or she can get away with anything on the road.

Is it any wonder that we are seeing so much bad driving on the roads these days when the police seem to be in retreat from road traffic enforcement?

Huw Niland

Stroud