"We don't understand 20mph limits," says WC.

Following trials in some villages Wiltshire Council has been promising for the last 6 months or more to provide a policy on where such limits could be implemented in residential areas. In response to complaints about the lack of action the new highways cabinet member, John Thomson, claimed that a policy would be produced within another two months.

"Given that Wiltshire has an excellent road safety record and is one of the safest counties in which to live the desire to have an early policy for 20mph restrictions in place is not fully understood," he said. "We think that it is better to spend a period of time formulating a comprehensive and well considered policy, that is based upon best engineering practise, rather than rush prematurely into something that could be counterproductive in the long term and which may bring 20mph restrictions into disrepute."

Meanwhile other local authorities across the country are improving road safety and quality of life by introducing 20mph limits where appropriate.

Thomson has refused to come to the Bradford Area Board later this month to explain the council's reticence, claiming a "longstanding previously booked engagement".

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