THIS is for the information of everyone who has received a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP), a Fixed Penalty Ticket (paid or unpaid) or have either applied for, or previously attended, a Speed Awareness Course -- for alleged offences of travelling up to and including 36 mph in a 30 mph area.

I do not support any driver travelling at an 'inappropriate' speed on any road and no-one is keener than I am to rid our roads of reckless, careless and dangerous drivers. But there are serious concerns regarding the present system of demanding money from you, without you, the alleged offender, having previously had sight of all the detailed evidence before committing yourself to any official course of action.

If the above circumstances apply to you, then ask the Chief Constable, of Lancashire Constabulary (PO Box 77, Hutton, Preston) the following question: Where, in law, does it state, or allow, for evidence against a suspect to be deliberately withheld, following, or during the process of an official demand for the payment of money (£60 or £90 -- for a Speed Awareness Course) whereby failure to pay that money will expose the suspect to a possible fine (up to £1,000 at magistrates' court) in excess of either 16 times or 11 times (respectively) the amount of money previously demanded?

A similar question to this has already been asked in a private capacity of Lancashire Constabulary, but, so far, the silence is deafening. I write as a retired and former Lancashire Constabulary Police Officer.

ADRIAN SHURMER, Lyndon Avenue, Great Harwood.