Deaf-ears mentality (From York Press)

Deaf-ears mentality

12:08pm Friday 31st August 2012 in Letters By Readers' letters

THE letters page still echoes with the 20mph speed restriction proposal which the council wants to impose on our streets.

Many are against the proposals and accuse the council of wasting public money on this venture by not listening to their wishes. I cannot help but agree because where I live the only cars that obey any speed limit are the parked ones.

All of this does highlight, however, why Lynn Jefferies quit as a Labour councillor. She was frustrated at this council’s deaf-ears mentality and this issue is one of many – such as the withdrawal of social benefits – which can affect us all.

It all goes to suggest democracy has still not arrived at York.

Phil Shepherdson, Chantry Close, Woodthorpe , York.

 

• CB Wainwright (Letters, August 29) points out that some people ignore 20mph limits outside schools. This is lamentably true.

However, where lower urban speed limits have been shown to work (in Germany, Holland and increasing numbers of UK cities) it is where they are not implemented in little patches, but introduced as the default setting for motorists in residential areas.

A driver who lives in Street A, but drives through Street B which has a 20mph limit, justifiably wonders why does this street deserve better safety levels than his own.

Once most of York has become a 20mph area everyone will benefit and contribute to a calmer, safer street environment.

It might take a while for people to adjust, as it did with seatbelts and drink-driving legislation.

Wojciech Simpson (Letters, same edition) wonders where Coun Dave Merritt gets his evidence for public support.

More than three-quarters of South Bank residents voted for a 20mph limit throughout their area, including Bishopthorpe Road, in a consultation with a high turnout. Perhaps his friends are not a representative sample.

Catherine Heinemeyer, Holly Bank Grove, Holgate , York.