Reducing traffic speed saves lives

IN his letter (Echo, August 4) Andy Thompson states that there is chaos and confusion around the 20mph speed limit in the Pencisely Road area of Cardiff.

He also claims that the pedestrian crossing in Clive Road, Canton, is poorly sited and calls into question the competence and sanity of those responsible. Personally, I welcome the 20mph limit as it has made the streets much safer particularly for children, people with disabilities and older people. Mr Thompson’s gripe seems to stem from him receiving a speeding fine for travelling at 27mph in a 20pmh zone. He states that Pencisely Road was noticeably quiet when this occurred which should have given him four opportunities to ensure he kept within the limit.

The first being that he was unlikely to have been tailgated, second the numerous visible 20mph signs, third the visible speed camara signs and finally the mobile speed camara and its operator. If he feels the fine was unjust then he has the right to appeal. He may be offered a speed awareness programme which I strongly recommend he takes as it is highly informative.

A speeding fine certainly changed my driving behaviour for the better.

In terms of the siting of the crossing in Clive Road at the junction with Romilly Road then this may appear counter intuitive.

However, it has had a positive effect for people who regularly use this crossing as before having the pedestrian crossing it was difficult to find a safe place to cross.

Indeed, the highways department should be congratulated for the number of traffic calming measures which have been installed in Clive Road over the years to try and negate the effects of speeding motorists.

Clive Road has for some considerable time been used as a rat run from Llandaff and there has been a noticeable improvement since the changes were made.

I remember the accidents which used to occur at this junction often due to reckless motorists speeding down the hill from Pencisely Road.

Reducing the speed of traffic to save lives or prevent severe injury should be welcomed by all citizens regardless of political affiliation. Bob Jenkins

Canton, Cardiff