Introducing a blanket 20mph speed limit through-out most of Brighton and Hove initially seems a great idea for reducing accidents.

But there are serious implications. Journey times will increase, so every car will be on the road longer for each journey. Therefore there will be more cars on the road at any given time, thus increasing congestion and pollution. Bus journeys too will take longer, and each bus journey will create more pollution.

Also, most cars running at 20mph have to be in a low gear, which increases petrol consumption and the associated pollution enormously.

The argument is that a 20mph limit will cut down on accidents. But aren’t most accidents caused by rogue drivers who ignore speed limits? The police have already said they won’t be able to enforce this proposed limit. Therefore it will only affect the conscientious law-abiding driver who is probably least likely to have an accident anyway.

Motorists who ignore the existing limits will continue to do so and be as great a danger to the community as they have ever been.

Mike Benson, Founthill Avenue, Saltdean