Slower speeds for safety

Many thanks to The Argus for helping identify some of those behind the recent “Unchain the Brighton motorist” adverts.

It would be even better if the authors of the adverts could put their names to what they believe – like the many thousands of people who have signed petitions in recent years in Brighton and Hove calling urgently for 20mph limits in residential areas.

The interesting thing about the latest “Unchain” advert, though, is that its main gripe is actually parking rules and not 20mph limits (The Argus, September 19).

In fact, we read that the authors are “totally in favour of road safety measures” and that their aim is to have “speed limits, road engineering or whatever appropriate for safety but allowing for free movement around the city”.

Slower speeds on all residential streets are absolutely the most appropriate thing for safety. Widespread 20mph limits will certainly allow free movement of vehicles.

They will also significantly enhance movement for vulnerable roadusers – especially children on foot and on bikes, and older people – free from the fear of speeding traffic.

If we’re all agreed, then, that 20mph in all residential streets is appropriate for safety and free movement of all road users, let’s get on with extending the scheme as quickly and effectively as possible so that everybody can enjoy the major benefits of slower speeds in all parts of the city.

Chris Murgatroyd, York Avenue, Hove

Consider some statistics

The rabid road lobby should consider the benefits of 20mph zones. Here are a few statistics: Death rates: At 30mph, one in five; at 20mph, one in 40. Overall casualties: a 40% reduction (50% for children). Fuel consumption: 16% less. Additional journey times in residential areas: less than one minute.

Stuart Reed, Colbourne Road, Hove

Yes, but not all the time

I agree with the 20mph speed limits in Brighton and Hove, but only at certain times of the day. Do we need a 24-hour restriction?

Surely it is not necessary in the early hours of the morning. I can see the point of having speed restrictions in force, say, from 7.30am to 9.30am and then again from 3pm until 5pm, and in the vicinity of any schools or playgrounds, but not at 4 o’clock in the morning.

My other question is how will it affect deliveries by van or truck locally?

By going slower, goods will be delivered later, or the delivery van will stay out longer.

This could use more fuel and push up prices by employers having to pay delivery drivers more money.

James Wright, Carden Hill, Brighton

It will increase pollution

I feel the plan to extend the 20mph scheme is just madness.

The Greens talk about reducing pollution – how will driving my car at 20mph reduce pollution?

My Mondeo has six gears and to drive at 20mph rather than 30mph means I have to switch between second and third gear, which uses more fuel. This has to cause more pollution.

Why haven’t the Greens considered removing the ban at night? Who crosses the road at 3am?

Reducing the speed limit could cause more accidents as people lose concentration.

If there is so much concern about schools, why not put a speed camera on both sides of the road outside every school, hospital and old people’s home?

A friend of mine from Horsham used to visit Brighton once a week to have a meal with his wife and go shopping. Now he goes to Guildford – he says he is fed up with the stupid traffic-calming measures and the price of parking.

Alec Knight, Dale Crescent, Brighton

We’ll probably be ignored

Most of the city is becoming a “no-drive” area – it’s almost impossible to get anywhere.

I have spoken with several residents in Hove who feel the introduction of 20mph everywhere in that area is ridiculous.

I completed a full and detailed response to the council’s proposals on the form that was issued to our property.

I find it strange that the council is introducing a policy which is not enforceable by law and is further adding to the needless supply of signage dotted around the city.

I feel this is both a waste of my council tax and is making the environment most unattractive. This is a great shame as some ideas, such as planting wild flowers on the wasteland near and in between dual-traffic roads, has been most beneficial.

I imagine that, as usual, the people who live in the areas affected will be ignored unless they instigate a protest march.

Susan and Gary Richards, Hollingbury Rise West, Brighton

It's coming to Worthing, too

Worthing has decided to waste money on the ridiculous 20mph consultation.

The council here should have rejected it and saved the money for resurfacing the roads.

A lot of the time it is not possible to drive at 20mph but when the road and pavements can be seen to be clear, few people would actually drive that slowly. If any supporters of the scheme drive, they would probably find themselves driving at more than 20mph, too.

The economic health of the country depends on quick and low-cost travel.

It is now up to motorists who think, rather than drive by numbers, to register objections.

Chris Gould, Georgia Avenue, Worthing

Don’t put it everywhere

I do not agree with the 20mph speed limit being put in place over the whole of Brighton and Hove. It does not help with congestion.

If anything, it causes more traffic and slows my journey to work – 30mph is a safe and reasonable speed.

I believe the 20mph limit should be in place around schools but, for the rest of Brighton and Hove, it’s just uncalled for.

Sophie Brown, Old Shoreham Road, Hove

It is right to fight back

Well done – people are beginning to fight back against the Greens.

I agree with the “Unchain the motorist” campaign and everything this new group is doing. It’s about time residents and businesses stood up to those at the council, who are actually our servants. We pay for them.

Chris Harvey-Jones, Rose Hill Terrace, Brighton

Wait for the first phase

Phase two of this consultation should be postponed until phase one has been properly evaluated. I have concerns that once phase two is implemented, phase three will quickly follow. I fear that, before long, it could take me an hour or more to drive into the town centre.

Jacqueline Soutar, Greenbank Avenue, Saltdean

Where do you stand? Email letters@theargus.co.uk