Sir, My usual walk along the A477 to my favourite circular walking route has drawn my attention to the increase in traffic now since restrictions are lifting but more worryingly the speed of traffic going through my village. From my home at Milton to Carew (Cross) is a 40 mph limit. The traffic is not slowing down at all and 60/70 seems to be the norm at the moment.

The noise and exhaust pollution is horrendous, but more importantly, with more people out taking excercise and crossing the main road in the village, there is going to be a fatality.

Milton is not singled out. It has always been plagued with heavy traffic not adhering to the limit. HGV’s charging through flashing lights at anyone daring to pull into their path from the village is not an unusual sight, but mainly cars and vans are more culpable.

I drove over to see my sister in Hook last week and the journey was fraught with hazards. Oncoming speeding traffic straying over the white lines on narrow bends assuming the road is free. When I sat out in my sister’s garden, the incessant traffic speeding through the village was eye-opening. Again no consideration for other road users, bikers, walkers, pets. The noise from these polluting vehicles and the fumes certainly noticeable after the few months when the roads were virtually traffic free. It was hard to conduct a conversation at times and my sister tells me that during the night traffic continues to pass through the village. One wonders where on earth they are going in the early hours.

My observations, coupled with my concerns generally about a breakdown in law and order in some areas as we are allowed more freedom, surely must be a concern for our council leaders.

Is it me, or has anyone else noticed the same pattern in their own communities?

It would be interesting to hear your responses to this letter.

Ruth Ashworth,

Milton.