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Calming measures

Every time I encounter another accident on Thamesdown Drive I quietly panic. Is it one of my grandchildren, is it my wife, is it one of my four daughters, is it a friend, someone I know, a reaction which stems from my witness of terrible driving behaviour every day on this road putting entirely innocent road users at risk.

Why does it happen so often? Simply because of the structure of traffic lights at intersections, the frustrations caused by some lights not being on smart sensors, the timings, the “boy racer lanes” providing encouragement to jump red lights and an incentive to push in front of others and importantly irresponsible driving and motor cycling going unchallenged.

With declining numbers of traffic police and the latest pay increase planned to be funded from existing budgets, I can only see human intervention becoming increasingly rare.

The solution is so simple and one I have been arguing for almost five years with absolutely no interest whatsoever on the part of Angus Macpherson or David Renard or eight of the nine borough councillors whose ward includes Thamesdown Drive. Sadly even Justin Tomlinson and Dale Heenan, who identified a capital budget and did initially show serious intent to address this important local issue, seem to have lost interest.

The placement of Truvelo red light/speed cameras at junctions would effectively calm down the whole driving experience. With racing between lights (and crossing on red) becoming a thing of the past, the tempo will relax for all users. I’ve consulted the manufacturer and outlined a scheme to the Borough Highways Chief - a relatively cheap option utilising dummy cameras, with just a few live ones moved around.

We are desperately in need of is some decent leadership from people in authority prepared to step up to the plate and do something about it before the next incident.

John Stooke, Haydon End

Answer is clear

Dave Garmont writes to make comparisons between progress in the redevelopment of Basingstoke and Swindon town centre, (Invest in the town, SA 26th July) and asks “What is the problem with Swindon?”.

I worked for Swindon Borough from the late 1960s through the 1970s and beyond and had an insight in to how the then development was achieved. I am sure my colleagues from those days would agree that the succinct answer to Dave’s question is “Councillor Garry Perkins”.

Don Reeve, Horder Mews, Old Town

Criminal discrepancy

Isn’t it funny that if you call the police to report a race hate crime or a gay hate crime they can’t come round fast enough because it ticks a box and looks good. My advice is simple - if you get attacked then report it as a hate crime and you’ll be treated immediately and differently to ordinary victims of crime. Shocking but true.

Roger Lack, North Swindon