I HAVE written before, in a previous letter, about my views on the 20mph speed limit throughout the the city and the total waste of money spent installing all the signs. I now write regarding the latest episode where a radar gun, deployed in St Giles, recorded many vehicles exceeding 20mph (November 5).

Cyclists in a hurry go over that speed, so it is rather silly to penalise someone who perhaps doesn’t realise there is such a speed limiting a main road like St Giles. Another example of this is in Iffley Road near The Plain, where there is a small stretch of road, approximately 200 yards long, which is 20mph when all the rest is 30mph.

I’m sure there are many other examples like the above throughout the city, confusing many motorists and cyclists alike. Another waste of money at this time of cutbacks is colouring the roads red throughout the lengths of all the bus stops in the Iffley Road.

How unnecessary is that? Surely it would have made more sense to have had a thick red line to replace a yellow one. I don’t think this is done for the benefit of bus drivers.

I’m not against speed restrictions in the areas of schools, hospitals, busy shopping areas, or even elderly people’s homes, but we should not restrict everyone to 20mph. Common sense should prevail and I’m sure it does with the majority of road users.

COLIN SMITH, George Moore Close, Oxford