Let's take it slowly

HERE is no doubt that the figures back up those who want to see speed limits lowered.

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Lower speeds do indeed lead to lower casualty figures.

But set against that is a need to be realistic. The Welsh government's decision to lower the limit on all residential roads to 20mph a few years ago was well-intentioned - but didn't last because drivers resented it.

Now there are calls to lower limits on some of Newcastle's key roads. The stretch of the A167 up to Cowgate (not, strictly speaking a motorway at this point) would, if these pleas are heeded, be lowered from 70 to 50. There’s a case for that, as there is for lowering limits on busy routes like Chillingham Road in Heaton and Shields Road in Byker to 20mph.

The trend has been for speed limits to come down - such as on the widened A1 western bypass, which has a 60 limit. That's a sensible trend and it should - within reason - continue.