Sir, – At a time when Farnham is frequently gridlocked, and motorists find it difficult to exceed 15 mph even on our "bypass", SCC Highways department last week published a Public Notice in the Herald, advising us of their intention to introduce new 30 and 40 mph speed limits on 28 local roads.

It was lengthy and complex, and almost certain to cause the average reader to ignore it, as is usually the case with official notices.

As a resident of Wrecclesham Hill, I need no reminder that the concept of a 30 mph limit on built-up through roads is perfectly sensible and justifiable on road safety grounds.

However, close inspection of the SCC proposals reveals that at least 19 of them are quite nonsensical, having no justification on recognised road safety criteria at all.

Six of them apply to short residential cul-de-sacs, and 13 of them to open rural roads with no actual accident record.

It is clear that the whole proposal is based on the whim of Farnham Town Council to be able to claim that "We have imposed speed limits on all roads within our town council jurisdiction. Aren't we clever."

The fact that the bulk of the limits are entirely unnecessary, and in places where they will never be enforced, clearly does not bother them.

For example, what safety benefit will accrue from a proposed limit of 40 mph on Folly Hill above the castle? The council claims a potential reduction in noise pollution there. Who exactly would be listening?

It is clear to me that the proposals amount to legislation for legislation's sake, in circumstances which will bring no tangible benefit to the community, a debt of £15,000 in the public purse, and smug self-congratulation to some of our more politically correct local councillors.

I urge all local citizens who believe that the average human is capable of making rational decisions on appropriate behaviour, without the aid of irrational legislation and restrictions, to study these proposals at the Locality Office, and raise objections prior to the deadline of June 16.

Alan Bridgman

Wrecclesham Hill

Farnham