Like all such formulae for putting the world to rights, the latest calls for a lower default speed limit are promoted by what are often called 'single issue fanatics' – without regard to the economic and social realities of the real world the rest of us (as well as the fanatics) inhabit.

Consider the consequences of such a proposal – allegedly 'only adding a few minutes' to a journey across the borough.

Firstly, the congestion on our already creaking road network would become significantly worse.

Each average journey might require 50 per cent more road space.

Thus, a car travelling at 20mph instead of the currently permitted 30mph would need to occupy any given length of highway for 50 per cent more time.

Then, throw in the significantly greater levels of exhaust emissions, both from more cars on the roads for longer and less efficient burning of fuels as cars are labouring along in lower gears.

Why not go back to the days before 1903 when internal combustion engine vehicles had to be preceded by a man carrying a red flag and we'll eliminate virtually all road casualties with the possible exception of 'men carrying red flags'.

A few weeks ago I commented on the spurious statistics and chop logic of the wonderful world of 'safety' cameras.

No one has challenged the basic premise of my letter that these 'initiatives' are promoted by the groups interested in preserving their own self-serving bureaucracies.

Modern life is lived at a pace far removed from that of generations only 50-70 years ago, yet road deaths were significantly higher in the 1930s with barely one tenth or fewer vehicles on the roads. (Road deaths have fallen only two to three per cent over the past ten years despite a 'forest' of speed cameras).

Piecemeal initiatives, imposed on the majority by pressure groups riding a particular hobby horse, are becoming evermore prevalent.

Life is risky and despite the best efforts of modern science, engineering and medicine the human mortality rate remains stubbornly high at 100 per cent.

In Nineteen Eighty Four, George Orwell warned of the horrors of a state regulated dystopia.

And as someone said recently, when Victory Gin appeared on the shelves of the local off-licence, they would be on the first boat to Canada.

If the current trends in 'anti' everything continue that day may not be far off.

Then again, the misanthropes seeking to control every aspect of our lives today probably won't even allow us the limited pleasures of a shot of gin – Victory or any other brand.

ALAN FIDLER

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