SIR - Re Bob Watson's letter 'Weak Sentencing' (T&A letters, December 30):

As I look forward to what 2023 may herald for us, it is plainly obvious to all who read this publication that the abysmal standards of driving often highlighted in the T&A will still be a topic of conversation throughout communities in and around the Bradford district.

I only had to glance at the paper this morning to see two drivers, one of whom in my opinion should never have been permitted behind the wheel of a vehicle after reading about his previous record of driving offences including causing the death of a teenager and injuring other road users by his total disregard for road traffic regulations.

The other driver, reported on the front page, has had his future taken away from him. A 20-year-old should never have been able to drive such a powerful performance vehicle. What experience did he have to drive such a beast on the road?

Mr Watson rightly praises the WYP Operation Steerside for their valiant attempts to reign in these dangerous drivers and make our roads safer but I have to agree that with the pathetic sentences handed down by the judiciary, it serves as no deterrent.

Surely much tougher sentencing should be made law and tougher sentences, instead of a mere slap on the wrist that is often seen as a medal of honour to some of these so-called drivers.

Derek Essex, Fairbairn Fold, Bradford