CYCLING home this evening on my usual route I was horrified to notice that a young lady, driving a new-style Mini, was using a portable device on her steering wheel as she was driving along Castle Road in Christchurch.

Her route took her towards Barrack Road, as did mine, and her driving was, to say the least, erratic. Her distraction was such that at one point she was unaware of blocking an ambulance which had blue lights and siren operating. When she eventually made space for the ambulance to pass I noticed that she had moved the unit down by the side of her seat.

If it had been safe for me to do so I would’ve taken a photo of the vehicle registration but, as a vulnerable road user, I am aware of being at the mercy of these dangerous drivers.

When will these people wake up to the dangers that they present? Making phone calls while driving is bad enough, but watching a hand held video unit goes beyond even that.

Let us hope that this reckless and foolish behaviour comes to an end soon.

DAVID PITTWOOD

Ensbury Avenue, Bournemouth

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