Few back 20mph

• ANDREW Myer claims a “ringing endorsement” for the 20mph speed limit (Streets we must tame, December 4). But only 25 per cent of East Area residents responded to the consultation and of them 63 per cent said “yes”, which means that in total only 16 per cent of residents actively wanted the limit. Hardly a “ringing endorsement”.
A larger proportion of residents (56 per cent to 25 per cent) said “no” to the blanket introduction of traffic-calming measures. Introduction of the speed limit will in fact mean many more ugly signs on our streets. To quote the council’s own report: “20mph signs will be located on the entry points of all roads with a reduced speed limit and repeater signs will be needed at regular intervals throughout the area...”
Now, if you think the extra carbon emitted to raise this forest of signs is worthwhile, then ponder the views of Camden Council, which concluded: “Our experience of the few short lengths of 20mph limits we have introduced, without any supporting physical traffic reduction measures, is not very encouraging. They have had very little effect on overall speeds. We would be concerned that without any physical speed reduction measures (unrealistic on all roads) or police enforcement it is likely to be rather an empty gesture.” The Green Party is just as cynical and manipulative as the other main political parties when it comes to electioneering, and is happy wasting your money to fund their empty gestures.
TIM NEWARK
Islington Tax Payers’ Alliance