I AM writing in response to a letter by Mr J M Lowe regarding the installation of speed humps, in which he appears to suggest that assignment of blame is a matter of importance when considering a measure designed to save lives. I would wish to point to him (and to Mrs E Potter), that it is the car that kills, regardless as to who is at fault.

If a child runs out into the road and is hit by a car, that child may be at fault, but, nevertheless, had that car been travelling at 20 mph it will most likely survive, whereas, had it been doing 30 mph or more, it will most likely be killed. The assignment of blame is completely irrelevant in such cases. These facts are well proven, as is the fact that enforced lower speed limits do save many lives. Given the fact also that motorists behind the wheel consistently ignore even the present speed limits, the possibility of them obeying a limit of 20 mph is virtually zero. If such a limit is deemed necessary, and it is if lives are to be saved, speed control humps are the only viable means of enforcing such a limit. I believe the council is to be congratulated for its decision to proceed with these life-saving measures.

David Howarth

Upper Mead

Egerton