Letters: Speeding drivers

Children trapped by the selfishness of speeding drivers

Sir: Mark Riddiford (letter, 28 September) states that speed in itself is not dangerous. But the speed limits are set for the good of everyone, not just self-styled "good drivers". Speeding vehicles intimidate pedestrians, especially children, older people and those with disabilities. These groups are more likely to make the wrong decision as to when it is safe to cross a road, or are simply are unable to cross at all when vehicles are speeding.

I live near to a long, straight road with excellent visibility and few parked cars. Selfish drivers regularly exceed the 30mph limit by a considerable amount, no doubt arguing to themselves that they are safe to do so. However most children living on the adjacent housing estates, my own daughter included, are forbidden to cross the road unaccompanied because of the speeding cars. The action of these drivers prevents children moving around their own area freely.

Speed also increases noise pollution vastly and increases fuel consumption, and the effects of any driving error or unforeseen event are magnified by speed. Mr Riddiford is another typically selfish driver.

STEPHEN HANNIGAN

WIRRAL, MERSEYSIDE

Sir: Mark Riddiford is right to point out that a speed camera cannot judge whether the the speed of a car is appropriate for the road. Luckily an appropriate speed for each road has already been selected by people who are not in a hurry, not on their phones while driving, not pumped up with testosterone and not carrying round an inflated belief in their own driving ability. I know who I would rather choose to select an "appropriate" speed.

No one is suggesting that it is sufficient to obey the speed limit and abandon other good driving practices.

SUSAN TAYLOR

SHERBURN IN ELMET, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Sir: Jonny Mayle (letter, 28 September) says women have fewer accidents because they drive slower and take fewer risks, but does this make them better drivers? Er ... yes.

GRAHAM WARREN

NOTTINGHAM

Sir: Women are better drivers because they are not filled with preposterone.

J P C BANNERMAN

BRISTOL