A RECENT article in the The Citizen (May 2) referred to police operated speed detection equipment and the increased sale of radar/laser detectors.

In relation to speed detection equipment, the article quoted statements attributed to a police spokesperson, including "we are not trying to catch people out."

If this is a truthful statement why has a recently erected speed detection camera been concealed behind an advance direction sign on Amounderness Way, Thornton Cleveleys? The national policy is to make speed detection equipment more visible and therefore motorist friendly. Why paint it yellow and hide it?

Believing that the "walker" and the "wheeler" have a shared responsibility in relation to road safety, I am prompted to write because of an incident that occurred today.

A walker on his way home from school chose to walk in the road along Devonshire Road, Blackpool. This is a busy main road and he walked towards me midway between footpath and centre line, watched by similar aged youths. I was compelled to stop or knock him down. Had I chosen to knock him down I would be accused of recklessness.

After achieving his objective, the youth turned and walked across the line of traffic moving in the opposite direction. His actions caused those drivers to take evasive action to the continued amusement of the walkers.

I do not support the private use of radar/laser detectors but, equally, I do not believe the authorities should pillory the motorist for the accident situation.

Mr Wheeler, Thornton Cleveleys. (Name & address supplied)