In this letter, Paul Carnell, a member of the Conservative Party and former councillor, has questioned the need to reduce speed limits in roads in the university area from 30mph to 20mph, suggesting alternative approaches could be taken instead. Mr Carnell writes:

I was interested to read in the Reading Chronicle of the proposal to reduce the speed limit along Northcourt Avenue from 30 mph to 20. The reason being that Northcourt Avenue has a problem with speeding motorists. I’m not sure I follow the logic, If a motorist is going to drive at up to 50mph in a 30 mph zone, why do the council think reducing the speed limit will slow the motorists down to 20mph? Surely common sense tells us that the failure to respect one speed limit will only lead to the failure to respect the new lower limit.

This approach was made after some collaborative working between the council and the local residents association.

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I wonder what alternatives the council proposed. I wonder if the council suggested repeater signs? A sign which will display the speed of an approaching vehicle and highlight whether the speed limit is being broken, often with a red angry face or green smiley face, whichever is appropriate. Evidence suggests these are one of the most effective ways of reducing speeds.

As most drivers are respectful of speed limits the fact that on occasion drivers are able to reach speeds of up to 50mph suggests the road isn’t always particularly busy. I can confirm that on the occasions I drive down Northcourt Avenue there is rarely much other traffic. As the road is, in the most part relatively straight I can see a temptation for a would-be speeding motorist. Were any forms of physical traffic management considered?

Perhaps the council should look for a solution which would resolve the issue of speeding without inconveniencing responsible motorists.