Which expert for road stats?

 

I read with interest the online article entitled 'Bids for 20mph Schemes Welcomed' (1/3/23).

It brought to mind the quote attributed to Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill - "The only statistics you can trust are those you falsified yourself”. 

Cllr Beckett, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's highways and transport committee, brought forward the usual statistics of the death and misery we will stop if we reduce speed limits.

Which expert did he consult to produce the statistics he used to say that there will be a 60 per cent reduction in deaths and serious injury if the speed limit is dropped from 30mph to 20mph? 

Why doesn’t he go further and advocate the introduction of a man or woman employed to walk in front of cars and other vehicles with a red flag. Then his statistics will reflect nil deaths and nil injuries. 

Everyone with any sense wants a reduction in deaths and serious injuries on our roads. However, I would caution that bringing in blanket 20mph speed restrictions in our towns and villages will result in widespread ignoring of the 20mph limit.

If that is the case what enforcement will be done? The police do not have enough officers to deal with day-to-day crime investigation.

The other way will be to fit average speed cameras in every town and village to enforce the law.

My next question is who will pay the millions of pounds it will take to provide the equipment and staff to deal with the offenders.

It will be the very rate payers who now enthusiastically want a 20mph restriction who  will be the first ones to moan about the rise in their council tax to pay for these ill- thought-out schemes.

P Moores
By Email

Rule changes in elections

With elections coming up in Cambridgeshire it’s vital we all spread the news that the government has changed the rules for how we vote.

From May, you must show photo ID at the polling station to cast your vote, so make sure you’re not caught out.

If you don’t have photo ID you can find details how to get this at: electoral commission.org.uk or you can apply for a postal vote.

The Electoral Reform Society has reported that more than two million people in the UK lack the types of ID the government are demanding.

Voter ID risks the very principle of free and fair elections. One voter being turned away is one too many.

If I turned up to vote and someone had used my ballot I’d certainly complain, but there were only 33 allegations of fraud out of more than 58 million votes cast in 2019 (the last time we all had a vote). www.electoral-reform.org.uk/campaigns/voter-id/].

Almost certainly more voters will be turned away than ever lost their vote to this incredibly rare crime.

Chris Hawes,
Beresford Road
CB6 3SG

 

Soham Community Reports

Soham Community Group

Members of the Monday Club met in The Causeway Community centre on the morning  of Monday, February 27.

On arrival, they were welcomed by the voluntary helpers before being served coffee, tea homemade cakes, scones and sausage rolls.

Angela and her Pat dog Lily also were welcomed. Members took part in chair exercises with Claire who exsplained how important it is to keep as active as possible.

Everyone enjoyed a lovely lunch of curry or jacket potatoe with a chocolate dessert all provided by The Cherry Tree.

Claire and Jean organised the raffle, and games of bingo were played, with Claire calling the numbers. Birthday greetings were sung to members Sheila Cooper, Fay Peacock, and Jean Wells. Refreshment was served before everyone made their way home.

Community Care Coffee Morning

Diane Wheeling welcomed 22 people to the regular coffee morning on Tuesday, February 28.

These coffee mornings are always a great opportunity to meet up with friends, have a chat while enjoying tea, coffee and biscuits.

If you enjoy reading, books are also available to buy at the coffee mornings. During the meeting, Diane organised the raffle of prizes donated by the members. Everyone is welcome from 9am to 11 am in The Soham Pavilion.

Comrades Club

On the evening of February 28, a successful bingo evening was held in The Comrades Club. During the break for refreshments, the raffle was organised. New members always welcome. Doors open at 7pm, for eyes-down at 7.45pm.

KnIt and Knatter

On the afternoon of Thursday, March 2, members of the Knit and Knatter Club met in the Soham Town Football Club.

There was lots of chat while members were busy knitting garments for the children of the earthquake disaster in Turkey.

A member celebrated her birthday and provided cakes to enjoy with tea. For anyone interested in joining this friendly club, meetings are every Thursday afternoon from, 1.30pm till 4pm. For further details contact Carol Weyman on: 01353 360289.

Over 60s. Club

Ruth Ginn welcomed everyone to the meeting in The Pavilion on the afternoon of Friday March 3. Games of bingo were played with Richard Badcock calling the numbers, assisted by Diane Wheeling checking the cards.

Birthday greetings were sung to Jean Wells. Refreshments were prepared and served by Shirley Sizer, Jenny Killick and Richard Badcock. Richard also organised the raffle. The meeting closed with the singing of the club hymn.

Forthcoming Events

Coffee morning to be held in The Methodist Hall on the morning of Friday, March 10, from 10am till midday. Everyone welcome.

Soham Bowls Club 

There will be a bingo evening in the club room on the evening of Friday, March 10. Doors open at 6.30pm for eyes down at 7pm. Everyone welcome.