20mph residential areas scares The Press (From York Press)

20mph residential areas scares The Press

11:24am Friday 6th June 2008

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Well, it's certainly unusual to be attacked in The Press's Editorial column. It doesn't happen everyday, and probably the thrill would soon wear off if it did.

But, I'm bemused at the .

Our idea is not that radical. It's already in operation in 20mph zones are widely accepted and have dramatically reduced road casualties. The York Press editorial therefore seems rather gloomy and a little hysterical.

York Greens are suggesting 20mph signs. I like the flashing ones too, but they are expensive. I would suggest that far more Draconian measures are already in place all over York: the hated speed bumps which knacker your car and are agony for people with spinal injuries. Maybe worse than speed humps are chicanes. I have personally seen three cars wrapped around the chicanes on Heslington Lane. The chicanes are dangerous obstacles in my view! No. York Green Party's suggestion of 20mph speed limits in residential areas is a sensible and measured response to a real problem of undue speed in built-up areas where people live and children and pets risk their lives when playing in the street.

The Press's "You The Jury" vote on the issue is inconclusive. Pity I missed voting in that one - it would've made it all square! The sensible approach would be to try out some 20mph speed limits in York. This is what the Green Party is suggesting. If it is successful, then let's do more. If it isn't then, okay, we won't do any more. Nobody gets hurt... and that's exactly my point.