SIR — I refer to the article by Alison Quant, HCC director of environment, (Chronicle, April 30).

Ms Quant continues to peddle the myth that the council is bound to follow ‘Government guidelines’ on the establishment of speed limits, especially 20mph limits which the guidelines say should be ‘self-enforcing’.

However, in correspondence, Ms Quant confirms that the guidelines are “just guidance”.

They have no statutory status and as such can be adjusted by roads authorities to suit local circumstances.

In her article, Ms Quant states that a “relaxation in the guidance” is hoped for so that more 20mph zones can be introduced near schools and in residential areas. This is not so.

All that is required is innovative action by county officers and councillors; there is no need to wait for relaxation of the guidelines by central government.

It might be convenient for a number of reasons for the county to choose to place the onus on central government, but I would suggest that it is this convenience and a lack of initiative, that is to blame for the pitiful lack of progress on 20mph speed limits, especially in rural villages.

Meanwhile all non-motorised road users — the young, the old, the disabled and others including cyclists and horse riders — are daily intimidated by speeding vehicles, frequently on roads designed for the era of horse-drawn traffic.

The take-up of the voluntary ‘20 is Plenty’ scheme in the vicinity of schools has been patchy and of little value.

The conclusion is that it is a cynical attempt by county to try to convince the public that it is taking real action to establish 20mph zones.

Roy Selwyn, High Street, Selborne.