Linda Laurie and I read with great interest your recent article in the Gazette, [Boris ponders 20mph zones for all, Gazette, November 19].
We both reside in Cheney Street, Eastcote, a road with a rural character - the northern end is within a conservation area - but it is used as a short cut from Cuckoo Hill to Bridle Road.
For the most part, the road has grass verges instead of pavements, and where there are no verges pedestrians are forced to walk in the road.
One section narrows to five metres, and when vehicles are parked in these locations pedestrians are obliged to walk round them into the road - there is no safe refuge.
Following pleas from residents for some form of traffic calming, we carried out a door to door survey for suggestions.
The petition was forwarded in September 2007 to the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Results of a speed survey subsequently carried out showed a high volume of vehicles, 25,000 in a seven day period and a top speed of up to 50mph travelling in the short advisory 20mph zone of the conversation area. Almost a quarter of the vehicles were recorded above the speed limit.
A petition hearing with Councillor Keith Burrows and ward councillor David Payne was held on June 18.
Despite our logical and robust petition, the outcome was very disappointing. The recommendation was: "Following the results of the vehicle and speed survey, the current vehicle speeds and accident record do not justify a traffic calming scheme on safety grounds. It is recommended that Cheney Street be kept under review".
So, the danger continues to exist for all pedestrians in general, but particularly for the elderly with trolleys, mothers with buggies and children cycling and walking to school.
Surely this flies in the face of Hillingdon borough's transport strategy - to quote just one statement - 'To improve road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users'?
We would welcome your comments on our experience of trying to reduce 'rat running' with its associated environmental degradation, and encourage people to walk and cycle safely to improve health and well-being.
CAROLYN DERECKI,
Cheney Street, Eastcote.
