Memorandum by Crewe and Nantwich Local
Agenda 21 Group (RTS 02)
ROAD TRAFFIC SPEED
We welcome this inquiry, assuming positive measures
will result to reduce road danger caused by inappropriate speed.
Particular comments are:
1. It is not only inappropriate speed causing
danger, but the rate of acceleration of vehicles, particularly
large engine cars. This point should be addressed in the inquiry.
2. A huge effort is made by, essentially,
volunteers in trying to redress the imbalance in transport by
promoting alternatives to the car for short journeys. This, along
with the production of Government Strategies and targets is all
wasted effort until the question of inappropriate speed is tackled
in a firm manner.
3. The main highway network is so congested
now in lowland Britain that the Highway Code is largely ignored
in favour of drive-as-fast-as-you-can-between-traffic-jams approach.
This again will get worse until alternatives are seen as attractive.
4. Traffic congestion—impatience—aggressive
driving all lead to selfish behaviour. We need a calmer environment
on the roads with far less emphasis from car manufacturers and
road builders on speed.
5. The car industry should pay to "calm"
vehicles through new technology. The public purse cannot afford
to implement all the traffic calming schemes required by the public.
Peter Foster
On behalf of LA21 Transport Group
Crew and Nantwich Borough
12 December 2001
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