LIKE many here in Cleveland, I was saddened when two North Yorkshire police officers used the fact that speed camera signs were not quite right in their design to ensure an acquittal on speeding charges (October 19).

What is it about such signs that allow speeders to escape? Surely if a sign is clear enough to warn a driver of possible speed cameras operating on that stretch or highway, does it really matter if a black border or some other minor thing is missing?

What about where no signs are present? On two occasions recently in both directions on the A19 between Teesside and Thirsk, there has been a white van parked operating two video cameras pointing at the two lanes. Another camera, the type with 360 degree access, was mounted on the top of the van.

A patrol car was about two miles distant at the side of the road. What is the point? If someone is done for speeding by this set-up, can they claim immunity because no speed camera signs let alone improper ones are displayed on the A19?

W Elliott,

Kinbrace Road,

Hartlepool.

Updated: 11:10 Friday, October 22, 2004