Paint speeds (From Penarth Times)

Paint speeds

THERE is an ever increasing number of warning signs for speed cameras.

With fines currently yielding, nation-wide, £150 million, there are likely to be many more. The reason given for these cameras is that they reduce speed and save lives. Might there be other measures that have the same effect, without the cost?

One possibility is to paint on the road surface large numbers indicating the speed level for that particular section of road, as already seen at the Merry Harrier pub road junction.

These painted numbers could be repeated at a suitable frequency along all urban roads except where the maximum speed limit is 70mph.

This would remove the need for the current small speed limit signs along the side of the road indicating the permissible maximum speed. These signs are often difficult to see and frequently obscured by over-grown roadside vegetation and parked vehicles.

Surely, the psychological effect of a constant stream of clearly readable numbers in the driver's direct line of sight, even in the heaviest of traffic, would have a salutary effect on the truly rash, the forgetful and, most of all, the visitor.

The speed camera has its place in catching the truly careless driver. But constantly informing the driving public of the speed limit for a particular stretch of road is far more likely to be productive and acceptable.

Dr David Payne Clinton Road Penarth