Councillor blasts speed sign blunder

Last month the

revealed how 20mph signs erected in Kintbury in 2011 were rendered useless because their position did not correctly correspond with the dimensions of the road on the legal paperwork.
When asked, the council confirmed that since the signs were put up, no one had been prosecuted, despite PCSO Joanna King revealing she had caught several motorists exceeding the speed limit.
The council implemented a new speed limit amendment order in July, with which the signs now comply - but Keith Woodhams (Thatcham West, Lib Dem) expressed his frustration at the blunder.
Addressing his concerns to West Berkshire Council’s Executive for Highways and Transport, Pamela Bale at a council meeting last Thursday, Mr Woodhams said: “Can the Executive Member tell me why yet another road in the district has had its speed limit/road dimensions changed by this council, without the correct Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) being applied?”
In response, Mrs Bale said: “Most drivers observe speed limits. Unfortunately police could not prosecute the small minority of drivers because of the dimensions of the order.
“I brought this to the council’s attention and a revised order was made on July 25 this year. The order has been enforced since that date.”
Mr Woodhams then asked: “Is the Executive Member aware that if a speed limit or dimensions of a road are changed without the correct TRO being applied, that the speed limit is not legal and motorists who are caught speeding by the police and fined could challenge the fine, potentially wasting both the police and courts time?
Mrs Bale simply replied: “Yes.”
Mr Woodhams said: “To answer only yes to this question is nothing short of blatant arrogance by the Executive Member. How many more roads in the district have incomplete TRO's and what is the Executive Member doing about it? “
The 20mph signs were put up following years of pressure from Kintbury Parish Council to address the issue of speeding in certain areas of the village.