From The Times recently...
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Drivers given a say on speed
Drivers in Buckinghamshire are being encouraged to help planners decide how fast they should be allowed to go. Under a plan piloted by the county council, roadside signs ask motorists whether they agree with the current speed limit.
The council says it has been swamped with responses from drivers. “It’s a legal requirement to have consultation on proposals to change speed limits,” says Alan Baverstock, the speed limit review officer at Buckinghamshire. “Traditionally these [invitations to express a view] are posted in local papers.
“When the residents see proposals for a lower speed limit they invariably say yes. The first thing motorists know about it is when the limit changes, and they then complain.”
The new system is aimed at allowing motorists to join the debate about the speed limit across the county.
The first signs appeared on a stretch of the A41; more are scheduled to be erected on the A413 near Aylesbury. They ask motorists to give their views on a proposed reduction of the speed limit from 50mph to 40mph. According to the council, the majority of respondents — most of whom are motorists — have voted against the change.
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![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
And a follow up letter some days later...
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Limited thinking
In my part of Buckinghamshire, the current speed limit review seems to be about setting 40mph limits on long stretches of rural road where the national limit applies — including the road past my front door.
I wrote in protest about this. Of course, all I received was an automated reply and, eight months later, the news that the new speed limits will be more or less as originally proposed.
I have become used, over the years, to all 30mph limits being extended outwards by a few hundred yards every few years but this round seems to break new ground with 40mph limits being imposed on long stretches of essentially rural roads.
Rod Cavanagh, Chesham, Buckinghamshire ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
Personally I'm quite depressed about the proliferation of new low limits...if it continues no member of the public will need AD skills - we'll all be travelling so slowly (enforced by average speed cameras etc).
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