LETTER: Speed criteria isn't the same in villages

WHEN driving through Chichester I am aware of the 20mph restrictions which have been applied to numerous roads.

Many of these roads have street lighting, wide footpaths, ‘speed bumps’ and often are of a good width for two way traffic.

I am not against making roads safer for all road users – in particular pedestrians – but I am at a loss to understand why huge amounts of money have been spent on implementing these city limitations when Compton has been refused a 20mph status through a village which has no street lighting, the single road through the village is very narrow and in parts is lined with solid flint walling with no verges.

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There are two severe blind bends with over half of the road through the village devoid of any footpaths.

This road is used by a regular bus service, horse boxes and large agricultural vehicles which if meet at certain points results in llttle or no room for any pedestrian.

The first school in Compton causes a problem when parents are taking and collecting children as there is inadequate space for parking at those times making an extra hazard and the access for the pre-school children is actually directly onto the main road.

The present 30mph sign from the south side is unbelievably sited after the entrance to the recreation ground.

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None of these concerns seem to be cause for any action by the West Sussex County Council Highways Department and I wonder what criteria is needed to qualiify for 20mph to make this road safer for all users.

Do we have to wait for a serious accident or fatality before anything is done?

Do we feel that there is one rule for the city and another for the rural villages? YES! Please prove me wrong.

Mrs Barbara Wood

Compton