YOU report how the Richmond primary schoolchildren are appealing to motorists to slow down and are putting up colourful signs on the roadside (D&S Times, Dec 2).
I live on Darlington Road in Richmond and agree that the speed of traffic is mainly in excess of the 30mph limit.
I had noticed the appearance of the signs when walking into town recently.
The signs are not easy to read from a moving vehicle – a 30mph sign repeated at intervals would be much more effective at slowing traffic down, or a flashing matrix board which I have seen used very effectively in counties outside North Yorkshire.
I am a regular correspondent with North Yorkshire Highways, the police and our local MP on the subject of speeding traffic on Darlington Road and when I suggested 30mph repeater signs I was informed by Highways that “the presence of the street lights ... is deemed to be sufficient notification to motorists that they are within a 30 mph zone”. Clearly it is not, as I can testify, having lived here for over 20 years.
The schools’ action is yet another example of DIY Britain.
It is quite something when we now have to turn to junior schoolchildren to attempt to enforce speed limits and slow the traffic down. Surely this is the job of the police force?
Pat Kassell, Richmond
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