Men are superior to women because men can urinate from a speeding car. Will Durst

The speed limit in a built-up area is 30 mph but in some places, such as near to a school or a hospital, this can be reduced to 20 mph or even lower.  It is worth noting that the risk of death is approximately four times higher for pedestrians hit at 40 mph than it is for those hit at 30 mph.

Some drivers appear to be unaware that the speed limit is a maximum limit and not a minimum target.  However, irrespective of the maximum speed allowed, every driver has a responsibility to adjust speed according to road conditions.  This lack of awareness in drivers on our roads today must account for many of the tragic multi vehicle crashes occurring during exceptional weather conditions, such as during heavy rain or fog.

Official published government reports demonstrate that the majority of all collisions involve at least one speeding vehicle.  Of those killed or seriously injured in a collision involving a vehicle, that vehicle was speeding.   Yet, community speeding, along with a poor knowledge of the Highway Act 1835 / Highway Code, goes unchallenged by highway police.  In the absence of any threat of legal penalties, a great many drivers appear to be under the misapprehension that the Highway Code is now null and void, making UK roads a free for all.

Until such time as rural communities insist on highway policing being a priority for local governments, bad drivers will continue to abuse the absence of controls.  At present, our police are invisible; they are unproductive and sterile, making them obsolete.  Without police, should we be looking for alternative ways of enforcing the law before the increasing numbers of self-obsessed, conceited, arrogant individuals chock UK streets?

During the Christmas / New Year period, an increasing number of drivers using the A6015 have abused the 30 mph speed limit through Birch Vale.  Not only do many drivers disregard the speed reduction between the Waltzing Weasel and the old Vine pub, but they actually speed up beyond the 40 mph pre and post Birch Vale zone limit.  Given there is a recreational field with children’s play area accessed via footpaths running along the A6015, surely the police should have an increased motivation to tackle both speeding as well as pavement parking.  After all, child pedestrians are the most venerable highway users.