Speed limits: a case study

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Thu 15 Nov 2001 07:44
Speed limits: a case study - Roger Jones
Dear Folks

For anyone interested in how the speed-limit plague is spreading, here is an example. I wrote to the Highways Department of Hertfordshire County Council, as follows:

I would be grateful if you would inform me why the new speed limit of 30 mph has been implemented along the B653 Lower Luton Road between Batford and Wheathampstead and how the initiative arose.

The result seems to be ignored by almost all drivers and it leaves a nonsensical 40 mph short gap between the end of the Batford limit and the start of the new limit. The section between Batford Mill and Marshalls Heath Lane has no buildings on the south side, and the residential buildings on the north side are set many metres back from the road, their two entrances to the B563 having very good unobstructed visibility in both directions. The section east of the Cherry Trees [pub/restaurant] does possibly justify a 30 mph limit in view of the drives from residential buildings, and the same could be said for the cluster around the filling station. From there to Wheathampstead there is no good reason for it again.

Furthermore, it appears to be yet another manifestation of questionable judgement resulting in the introduction of unreasonable speed limits that are unpoliced -- When did any of us last see a traffic patrol? -- unenforceable, ignored by most motorists, and which erode the credibility of not only the authorities responsible for them but also -- much more serious -- the speed limit system in general.

The Area Engineer replied thus:

The speed limit in Lower Luton Road was implemented as part of the County's 30mph Village Speed Limits initiative.

This site was included in the above project following repeated representations from the Parish Council and local groups and the receipt of a petition from local residents. The scheme has the full support of the police and hopefully they will be able to effectively enforce the new speed limit. Our Road Safety Unit are currently commissioning a route study to consider various accident remedial measures for the Lower Luton Road and funds are available to implement any recommended measures during this financial year.
________________________________________

Now, note that word "hopefully". I have no objection to the careful implementation of well considered limits in zones that truly need them, and I respect them. But when they are splashed around more in hope than reality, and you know that the chances of their being rescinded are flat zero, you start to think in terms of the insidious erosion of civil liberties -- this being one of many fronts on which good old common sense is being overwhelmed by stuff and nonsense.
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Thu 15 Nov 2001 10:24
Re: Speed limits: a case study - Dave
Roger Jones wrote:

> This site was included in the above project following
> repeated representations from the Parish Council and local
> groups and the receipt of a petition from local residents.

Jesus, lucky they didn't ask for the M4 to have a 30 limit...
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Thu 15 Nov 2001 11:54
Re: Speed limits: a case study - Brian
There is a letter in today's Telegraph from a transport operator complaining about the 40/50/60 mph limits on HGV's which the police are now starting to enforce.
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Thu 15 Nov 2001 22:02
Re: Speed limits: a case study - Marman
People who want speed limits installed and enforced on their road are usually the ones who will disobey limits everywhere else. Other similar cases are the anti-airport brigade who will happily go on their fortnight to Benidorm from Gatwick and who bought a house at the end of the runway of their local airport and complain about the airport noise and the person who spends 2 hours a day chatting on a mobile phone but will join in a protest at installing a mast anywhere within 10 miles of their property. I think they are known as NIMBYs.
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Fri 16 Nov 2001 10:50
Re: NIMBY - Andrew Smith
This attitude is just part of human nature. You can minimise it but you will never stop it. I would hate to live next to a motorway but I'm quite happy to drive down one.
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