Sir, Now we know how speed limits are decided on the whim of a councillor (Herald, March 4). The last remaining stretch of the A417 with the national speed limit of 60mph between Faringdon and the Berkshire border is to have this reduced to 50 to appease a councillor’s concerns over road safety.
The 50mph speed limit that exists at present along some stretches of the A417 is incomprehensible. Does the councillor not realise that a vehicle driven carefully at 60mph is less likely to cause an accident than one driven dangerously, or even just carelessly, at 50mph? Speed is not the danger. It is dangerous and careless driving that causes accidents.
The daytime speed of traffic on the stretch of road in question, ie between Wantage and West Hendred, is often 50mph or less already, but when traffic is light careful driving at up to the national speed limit is safe and should not be prohibited.
Roger Sweet
Main Street
West Hagbourne
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article