Speed is a killer on roads (From Gazette Series)

Speed is a killer on roads

SIR - Peter Drew's rather overlong letter (Gazette, December 19) demonstrates considerable knowledge but little understanding. Giles Chichester's MEP contribution the week before shows that the Tories are still as keen as ever to jump on any passing band-wagon even if it is in danger of turning into a tumbril.

The sad and brutal fact is that speed DOES kill; it kills especially the old and less mobile pedestrians and equally - and even more poignantly - young children. Every piece of research throughout the world demonstrates that this is so. No amount of figure-juggling by these camouflaged speedsters can disguise the positive results of enforced speed limits in saving lives.

Peter Drew's claim that the B4509 (Tortworth Road) does not need a speed limit is a clear example of his lack of understanding. Recently I was with a small walking group going from Leyhill towards Tortworth. It was necessary to walk along a stretch of the B4509. It was like a mini Le Mans in both directions. Sooner or later there will be a serious accident on that stretch.

South Gloucestershire Council have obviously done considerable research and - wisely in my view - decided to try and slow the traffic down. That is all they can do - try. It is up to motorists to act on speed limits and slow down.

They should ignore the crude opportunism of Giles Chichester and the silly conclusions of Peter Drew.

David Fullman

Quarry Mead

Alveston