THE 20mph scheme is receiving a tremendous amount of objections.

I have yet to find anyone who agrees with it.

Had the council implemented it in necessary areas of danger, then it would have been accepted by responsible people, but to roll it out at extortionate cost to the majority of roads within the borough is both unreasonable and unworkable.

Sorry, I know this letter is more than 250 words but it has been compiled by the many objections and clarified reasons that I have received.

If, like me, you object to the 20mph implementation and the horrendous cost involved to impose this on the majority of roads within the borough rather than being selective, which would have been better received, then speak up, write to your MP and the Wirral Globe.

Objections include:

  • The law is already in place so no need for 20mph zones. You should drive in accordance to the road conditions at all times regardless of the speed limit.
  • It’s dangerous as drivers lose concentration. There are more accidents on motorway road works then on the whole motorway network.
  • Drivers now spend more time looking at their speedo than the road ahead.
  • More pollution as driving in a lower gear for a longer period of time.
  • More noise as driving in a low gear = higher engine revs.
  • Causes more congestion.
  • Costs the economy, longer journey times.
  • It will be a cash cow for the authorities. Speed cameras will pop up everywhere.
  • They’re making criminals out of responsible, competent drivers.
  • If the 20mph scheme was so popular, why is it that so many take no notice of it?
  • A cyclist travels faster than 20mph, as does a horse and cart.
  • How will they be controlled and prosecuted for speeding?
  • If you hit someone at 20mph, even on a bike and particularly with a horse then you can still seriously injure or kill them.
  • It is considered by some, that those who think 20mph is a good idea are clearly incompetent or nervous drivers who should surrender their driving licences to DVLA with immediate effect.
  • As they want us to go back in time! Someone should walk in front of your car waving a red flag and ringing a bell.
  • More zebra crossings would be a better and more cost-effective measure.
  • Teach pedestrians to use and cross the road safely instead of blaming the motorist. Education not regulation.
  • Whatever happened to the ‘Green Cross Code’ - stop, look and listen.
  • Look right, then left and right again.
  • Only cross the road when and where it is safe to do so.

The 30mph residential speed limits have been in place since the beginning of motoring law and no driving test, at a time when we had cross ply tyres, drum brakes, no brake servo assistance, no anti-skid / ABS, no vehicle safety crumple zones or any of the many driver aids we have today.

Unless those against speak up then nothing will be done. Maybe a petition needs to be formed as this scheme is both unreasonable and unworkable.

John Elliott, by email