Letters: Perils of speed

Sir: Does J Russell (letter, 27 September) really believe that "moral suasion and education" have changed drivers' drinking habits and enforcement of the drink-driving laws has had nothing to do with it? The idea that, instead of having "arbitrarily set" speed limits imposed on them, drivers will, by education and an appeal to reason, regulate their own speed would leave all the decision in the hands of motorists and give no say to pedestrians, cyclists, riders and others.

To the motorist enclosed in a car, driving may feel like a private activity in which every restriction is an infringement of personal choice. But it isn't like that. Driving is a communal activity which affects everyone and decisions about speed, or any other regulations, should be reached by the democratic process, which involves the whole community.

JOHN BURCHELL

Old Coulsdon,

Surrey