I READ Mr James Whelan's letter (BEN May 15) in response to Mr J Holding, and, though I agreed with little of its content, it does at least serve as a good example of the sort of ignorant and selfish attitudes shared by many drivers.

They remain unmoved despite the best efforts of the authorities who are, after all, simply trying to reduce the carnage on our roads.

Speaking as someone who tries (though sometimes lapses) to "rigidly stick to the limit", may I remind Mr Whelan that the current system is based on speed limits, set by the authorities having given due consideration to the prevailing risks in a particular area.

This is not a perfect system but is, I think, infinitely preferable to each of us setting individual limits based on our overly favourable perceptions of our own driving abilities.

The irony which escapes Mr Whelan is that, having failed to persuade him and his law-breaking friends to reduce their speed, despite a massive and often graphic campaign of television advertisements, the authorities are left with little choice but to force reductions in speed with their increasing array of imaginative, and often crackpot schemes designed to slow everyone down.

So, Mr Whelan, if you don't like what they have done to Moss Bank Way (and who does?) then you have only yourself to blame.

John Morris

Coniston Road

Blackrod