IT WAS interesting to read Ian Belchamber’s comments on the No Excuse campaign (“No Excuse, no difference?”, Echo, May 25). I agree that the campaign has had no significant effect on casualty figures, especially when taking into account the drop in miles driven in the last two years. However, I disagree with the “logic” behind his conclusion.

He argues that the prosecutions are largely for “trivial” matters – actually 47 per cent are for speeding and 14 per cent for phone use (source: Mr Belchamber’s Dorsetspeed website).

On this website he argues that speeding and phone use can be quite harmless and that prosecuting motorists for these offences is simply “criminalising” them.

In the Echo forums he has described speeding as “normal, safe driving”. He then proceeds to inform us that accidents are caused mainly by dangerous and reckless driving.

Perhaps he should take some time to examine UK accident statistics – he will find that most accidents are caused by ordinary, decent people making mistakes.

People like you, or I, or indeed Mr Belchamber himself. It’s a simple fact that when people make mistakes, their speed is the single most important factor in whether an accident will happen and if it does, how much damage, injury and death will result. Speed kills and properly enforced speed limits do save lives.

When will the Echo stop portraying Mr Belchamber as an “expert” who represents drivers? I didn’t vote for him.

MIKE CHALKLEY, Cowper Road, Bournemouth