SIR, — I would like to respond to the letter of Mr Howard Palmer. He clearly has some difficulties in observing the speed limit in Marford Road, Wheathampstead, which seem to be caused by the fact that …the motorist has to accelerate hard up the hill bec

SIR, - I would like to respond to the letter of Mr Howard Palmer. He clearly has some difficulties in observing the speed limit in Marford Road, Wheathampstead, which seem to be caused by the fact that "...the motorist has to accelerate hard up the hill because otherwise the car would stall just to reach the summit". You do not need to do so. I have travelled for many years up that hill and my small car has never stalled. The statement is false. If Mr Palmer's car stalls going up the hill I would suggest that he takes it to a garage for a thorough service or he invests in some additional driving lessons so that he is able to drive his car without it stalling.

He continues: "...only to be confronted with a 30mph sign on the brow. If they are to stay within the law they now have to brake hard". I feel that the 30mph signs become visible from a distance that allows reasonable braking so that a vehicle may enter the village at the legal limit. I note that he is a local resident so he will not only be aware of the 30mph signs but also that a by-pass road exists where he may drive parallel to Marford Road at over 30mph.

I agree with the introduction of a buffer zone because slowing from a maximum of 40 is easier than from a maximum of 60. It is worth pointing put that there is no obligation to drive at 60 along the current stretch of road of course.

With regard to the size of the speed-check sign, I feel his comments are simply irrelevant. It's a 30mph zone because it is a residential area. The 30mph is clearly signed. I would ask all readers to please observe the correct maximum speed because travelling at an excessive speed puts all of us at risk. If a driver should speed and get caught then as an excuse you cannot say the speed check sign is not big enough - just assume there is always a police speed check in place and you'll be okay. In fact many residents would welcome a more frequent police presence.

IAN SMITH,

Marford Road, Wheathampstead.