In response to the recent article in your newspaper regarding Croydon Council’s proposed 20mph speed limit for Croydon roads (20s plenty for borough streets, March 18), my colleagues and I cannot believe such a retrograde step is even being considered for the following reasons:

(a) Will ambulances at speeds exceeding this be able to get through the build-up in traffic effectively?

(b) 20mph is a very slow speed and if drivers were to try this in a safe place they will be surprised how slow this is and they will understand how this will cause traffic to pile up and produce convoys much to everyones exasperation and stress.

(c) The resulting pollution caused by running a car at slow speeds will increase and exacerbate the incidence of asthma and lung disease.

(d) Car engines perform best when they are run regularly at 30- 45mph.

At speeds below this the oil sludge in the sump builds up and carbon deposits in the cylinders also build up as they are not being cleared effectively through the exhaust valves and manifold.

This will eventually lead to damage to the operation of the engine.

(e) The same usually younger and, therefore less experienced drivers, who abuse the existing 30mph limit will be frustrated and more inclined to react even more drastically, and it is unlikely that this very low speed limit could be adequately enforced.

(f) Regardless of speed, accidents are caused by inexperienced, careless drivers, not looking sufficiently far ahead or around them and planning their movements.

(g) Most of the points raised above will cost lives rather than reduce road deaths and cyclists are quite often responsible for the accidents they are involved in by crossing red traffic lights or squeezing up the inside of cars and trucks so they they fail to see the rear left turn indicator flashing and get caught out.

(h) The method being used by the council to ascertain people’s response before implementation is not fair or thorough enough.

Not everyone has a PC.

MIKE FARNELL
South Croydon