Bristol councillors imposing a 20mp speed limit should try it themselves and see what happens says a Downend driver.
I WRITE in regard to the planned introduction of a 20 mph speed limit across Bristol
I note the correspondence and how you favour this change. I am personally in favour of lower speeds across residential areas. However my own good intentions and those of Bristol City Hall have to address the key action issue:
"Will the plans of Bristol City Hall change the behaviour of those car drivers who see it as their birth right to drive fast and above 30 mph whenever they choose?"
My own experience of the 20 mph pilot areas in Bristol is that they have become far more dangerous for a driver like me who wants to comply with the new speed limits. When going below 30 mph I have been overtaken on City Road by those doing well above 30 mph or continually flashed in St Werberghs for going in their words "much too slow". When I referred one mature "flasher" to the 20mph limit she clearly thought I was mad to obey the limit.
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My own view is that Bristol City Hall has made up its minds whatever the evidence from the pilots. Without enforcement to me the roads are now more dangerous.
I suspect that knowing they will be ignored City Hall still want the new limits to send "a signal". I suggest this signal is mighty expensive (costing over £2m). It is empty gesture politics. It is designed to appease certain political support groups which are profoundly anti-car. I don't object to anti-car politics if this policy would make roads safer for all users.
I ask the political leaders to reconsider as I am convinced if we have more rules that are being universally ignored it reduces the power of all law. Politicians will have less influence. We all suffer as the rule of law is weakened.
As a driver who wants to comply with laws I have to ask is it safe for me and my family to obey the 20mph limit? If the most senior councillor putting forward this policy thinks it is safe will he/she agree to ride with me through a pilot area?
Graham Ball
Downend
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