Reduced speed limit applauded (From Gazette Series)

Reduced speed limit applauded

SIR - I really cannot let Pete Drew's letter (Gazette, December 19) complaining about the reduced speed limit along the road through Tortworth go unanswered.

I am amazed by it and wonder if he ever uses the road, because if he does he surely can't have missed the dangers evident from the high speed traffic there.

It may not be much of a "built up area", but there are residents living along that road and perhaps he would change his opinion if he had witnessed them regularly making their hazardous way along the grass verge while high speed traffic threatens their lives.

Is he totally unaware of the history of accidents at the T-junction at the Charfield end of the road, often caused by vehicles travelling excessively fast as they approach the junction (and, incidentally, a "give way" sign that appears far too late)?

As churchwarden of St Leonard's Church, which is situated off the road, I use the Tortworth road almost daily and I, and many others, frequently risk sudden death as we attempt to join it at the crossroads. Others do the same at the intersection of the Leyhill road further down.

High speed traffic along the Tortworth road has been a menace to pedestrians, animals and drivers alike for many years - in fact very nearly since the days when cows were safely driven along the road! Now even horse-riders cannot use it with any degree of safety.

Historically, nothing has been done to alleviate the dangers from the steady increase in the speed of heavy vehicle traffic as well as cars.

I am sure I am not alone in applauding a reduced speed limit. I would even venture to hope that it might be the first in a planned series of safety measures to protect the road's residents and travellers even more in the future.

It may be, as Mr Drew seems to think, "contrary to Government advice" but perhaps not to common sense, and I believe that any contribution to safety for people and animals is substantially more important than adding a few seconds to drivers' travelling time.

Gerald Bishop

New Street

Charfield