After several letters here concerning the use of mobile phones by motorists, I was pleased to see a reply from Thames Valley Police (Oxford Mail, January 19).

While it is encouraging to read that the police do recognise this problem, the issuing of 518 tickets to offenders, by PC Pilling and a total of 7,000 by his colleagues, does not go near to scratching the surface of this problem.

I also note that no answer was made to address my concerns over the sighting of police drivers using mobiles while a second uniformed officer was sat in the car.

I noted at Christmas, Thames Valley Police went to considerable lengths in making contact with the public with roadshows highlighting the effects of drink-driving. A further purge on motoring offences was recently carried out in Wheatley.

The day after reading PC Pilling’s letter, however, I counted more than 23 motorists on mobiles in Witney, while their vehicles were in motion.

And, guess what: there was not a policeman in sight.

The problem continues, unabated. At the junction of Station Lane and Ducklington Lane, while waiting at the traffic lights, numerous vehicles were driven by motorists with hunched shoulders – trying to turn, drive and change gear, all with mobiles squeezed against their ears.

As a victim of being ‘rear ended’ some years ago by a motorist using a mobile, I am always aware this could happen again.

As a result of the accident I had to undergo invasive spinal surgery to enable me to walk.

On my return to work I had my position altered to conform with my employer’s duty of care towards employees.

The net result was a £12,000 salary cut, which was not subject to my compensation claim.

People often do not consider the ramifications of their actions.

It is time for the police to raise their profile in this area. And, while I appreciate PC Pilling’s reply, it does little to paper over the cracks of the shortfall in action by his employer.

Steve Plant, Thorney Leys, Witney