WITH the advent of the motor car, speed limits were imposed to four mph in the country and two mph in town in 1865, increased over ensuing years after the Road Traffic Act, 1930.

Even in the past decade, vehicle ownership has increased tenfold. Alas, the design and condition of our roads has declined, along with the absence of police traffic patrols.

Speed cameras, traffic wardens and other modern technology cannot compensate for face-to-face contact and advice from a police highway patrol.

With regard to speed limits being imposed by introducing more road signage, one has only to witness the average motorist travelling to and from work and/or school run with time running out on a busy schedule imposed in their daily lives. That 30mph is the last thing on their agenda.

Solutions, without adequate enforcement, there are none, unless in the not too distant future, culling of vehicles over a certain age, followed by the introduction of what is known as an advanced driving course replaces the standard driving test.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.