Editor

I endorse the timely comment of a recent correspondent who questions whether normal road safety regulations apply in Penrhyncoch, a contention most effectively illustrated by the blatant disregard of the 20mph zone in upper Penrhyncoch and the village square.

This is a busy section of a narrow road increasingly used by private and commercial vehicles, buses, builders’ lorries, tractors and agricultural machines. It includes main entrances to two shops, a petrol station, the church (concealed entrance), a social club, a children’s play park, houses, several junctions and, of particular concern, a primary school. The major hazard is sections on which there is no pavement or footway on either side, forcing pedestrians to walk in the road.

The majority of pedestrians are senior citizens, some partially disabled or visually impaired, followed by young families with prams and very young children, often on little bicycles or scooters. My wife and I, both in our 90th year, venture down to the shop most days and over the past year I have noticed drivers exceeding the speed limit by up to 20mph and sometimes more, and seldom even slowing down when passing pedestrians. I estimate that fewer than 30 per cent of vehicles follow the legal requirements.

Mrs Pidgeon’s (Letters last week) conviction of the inevitability of a serious accident in this speed-restricted section is no idle prophecy. We can but hope that moderation and good sense will prevail over its fulfilment.

Dr Clive Williams Penrhyncoch

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