"Those Fiendish Policemen"

Sir,
Your publication, May issue, of Mr. Barton’s letter, under the above heading, was not, in my recollection, very kind.

I have a vivid recollection of the Mitcham Trap, my only conviction, in over 45 years’ driving, was for attaining a speed of 22 m.p.h. in the Mitcham 10-mph. limit, to which, needless to say, I pleaded guilty, in 1928 or 1929.

My clear recollection is that the police officers concerned were most apologetic, and did not fancy the job at all. My strong impression was that this was local pressure on the police, in the same way as the Newmarket limit, which I was always careful to observe.

May I add, Sir, that your footnote, as to the operation, was quite correct.

Times have in fact changed. This road, which I frequently use, had a 10-mph. limit to about 1931, then complete derestriction, and subsequently from 1934 the 30-mph. limit.

S. Croydon. M.H. Peard.