Madam,

We have lived in Llanon for over 20 years and have heard of and seen many acts of speeding, thoughtlessness, accidents, and driving whilst using a mobile. Drivers seem to need to get from A to B in the shortest possible time and a minority have a complete disregard of other road users, pedestrians (and animals) in order to achieve this.

I heard this morning that another dog-owner in the village lost a beloved pet three weeks ago and we have also had the misfortune to lose three cats to speeding vehicles over the years. I realise that they’re only animals, but still.

I have heard that some companies, especially those which have large lorries, give their drivers a strict timetable in order to get goods to their destination and this can inevitably lead to speeding along our already busy roads - often well above the 30mph speed limit in villages such as Rhydgaled and Llanon, which has dropped kerbs but no pelican or zebra crossings, and has at the heart of the village sheltered accommodation for the elderly.

After spending £4.6m since 2011 from the local government borrowing initiative (does this have to paid back?) on road

improvements, can I suggest things for the future that wouldn’t cost anything? In order to reduce the number of deaths, accidents and near misses, all drivers should keep to the speed limit, be aware of - and be considerate of - other road users, and allow enough time to get to their destination, especially during adverse weather conditions.

An added bonus to this initiative would be a monetary saving for both the NHS and the police and no heartbreak for those affected by the ensuing trauma. After all, as my Dad used to say: “It’s much better to arrive late than dead on time.”

Yours etc,

Sue Slocombe, Llanon.

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