‘Speeding is a bigger issue than 20mph zones’

YES to a 20 mph speed limit in town, but clamping down on speeding motorists should be the priority – that’s the view of local people in letters to the paper and on our social media platforms. 

It follows news that the town council will be considering a plan for 20mph speed limits around town, with mayor, cllr Jon Hubbard, saying he hoped to see a plan come to the council ‘this side of Christmas’ (Melksham News 28th October issue). 

Local people have supported the idea, but say speeding is an even bigger problem. 

“Melksham has a speeding issue. Sadly, what is needed is a police officer with a speed gun, but we all know that isn’t going to happen,” said Julie Haycock; while Carey Waite asks, “Is there any difference between ignoring a 20mph speed limit and a 30mph one?” 

Readers have highlighted several parts of the town where speeding is of particular concern including Spa Road, Granville Road, Hazelwood Road, Littlejohn Avenue, Queensway and Bowerhill. 

There were calls for a 20mph in these areas but also for a clampdown on speeding motorists, with readers saying nothing is being done to combat the growing menace of speeding vehicles. 

“It’s all very well reducing speed limits, if it’s not monitored and enforced, it’s a pointless exercise,” said Trev Cox, an opinion shared by a number of people. 

To people who objected to the 20mph limit, Justin Gage highlighted the impact it has had in other areas on reducing road casualties, particularly in younger children. “The introduction of 20 mph zones was associated with a 41.9% reduction in road casualties, after adjustment for underlying time trends,” he said. 

There have also been suggestions to introduce speed bumps and chicanes to slow traffic, or to set up a Community Speedwatch scheme and there have been  concerns that Melksham Town Council’s speed indicator devices – which have been installed around town in the last few days after weeks of delay – would be ineffective and simply be ignored by the worst offenders.  

Cllr Hubbard told Melksham News, “Speed limits are not advisory, they are a legal requirement. We all have a duty to observe them. 

“Unfortunately, there are always some people who think they know better and are above the law and they will choose to ignore them. That is why so many speeding tickets are issued by the police, although I accept the argument that there could be even more police enforcement. 

“But the vast majority of road users are responsible and do follow speed limits when they are well signposted and clear. This is the advantage of 20mph limits – there are regular signs reminding road users they are in a 20mph limit. Likewise with the speed indicator devices, they prove a helpful reminder to people that they are in a speed limited environment. This ‘soft’ enforcement of the law helps us all to keep within the limits and this makes our streets safer and more pleasant for everyone. 

“Just a reminder, according to the Department for Transport when there is an incident between a car and person at 40mph, 31% of people involved are killed. At 30mph this reduces to 7% and at 20mph it is just 1%.  

“It’s also worth noting that even without regular police enforcement, all of the evidence shows that there still are speed reductions, and from 2022 all new car models will have in-car speed limiters.” 

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “We have an active Community Speed Watch programme which supports volunteers to address speeding concerns in their local communities.

“Earlier this year we also announced important investment in this scheme, with the creation of a new enforcement officer role, as well as new technology and kit.

“The local policing team in Melksham is aware of reports of speeding hotspots and does carry out sporadic checks to assist with road safety.

“Anyone interesting in signing up for Community Speed Watch can find out more on the PCC’s website: https://www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk/the-pcc-and-you/get-involved/community-speedwatch/”  

What do you think? 

Email news@melkshamnews.co.uk