20 mph speed limit would be much more effective

Dear Sir

As a resident of Duncombe Street, Wollaston, I was shocked to hear that a two-year-old boy was critically ill in hospital after a road accident in our street. I don't want to say anything that could cause further grief to the little boy's family, and of course it would be wrong to comment on the circumstances of the accident, or to suggest that anyone may have been at fault. Neverthless I believe three things should be said, and said loud and clear. First, Dudley Council needs to investigate the best way to stop Duncombe Street and Cobden Street from being used by drivers as a short cut or "rat run", as residents have long requested. Secondly, there should now be a 20 mph limit in Duncombe Street, Cobden Street and Bright Street, as these streets are not safe for driving at 30 mph. And thirdly, a 20 mph speed limit would be much more effective, would gain greater acceptance, and would make a real difference to the safety of our roads, if a general 20 mph limit were in force in all residential areas of Stourbridge. Dudley Council should initiate a democratic consultation with the people of Stourbridge about a wider 20 mph limit on the basis of "20's Plenty Where People Live" as advocated by the "20's Plenty For Us" Campaign.

Chris Bramall

14 Duncombe Street, Wollaston, Stourbridge, DY8 3QU