FOR the first time in my life I became fully aware of the increasing loss of liberty citizens of this country are now facing.

I was one of the drivers who had their vehicle checked as a result of the ‘initiative’ Kirklees Focus. I was on my way to Morrisons supermarket at Waterloo when a policeman signalled for me to enter the bus depot.

I did as instructed and along with a few other drivers of older cars (I did not see any new or expensive cars) waited to be seen by a police officer.

The officer then looked at my car, checking the tyres and so on.

The part of this exercise that disturbed me most was that I was asked to get out of the car and read a number plate – similar to what is required as part of a driving test.

As it happens, I could read it, but what would have happened if I had failed this ‘test’?

What right does Kirklees Council have to test people’s vision without their permission?

Incidentally, this smacks of class distinction. Why not check the eyesight of people driving big flash cars? Perhaps the rich have better eyesight!

I am fully aware of the ‘broken windows’ theory. It was developed by two American right-wing criminologists Wilson and Kelling who claimed that by smartening up a neighbourhood, this would lead to a reduction in crime.

Whilst there is certainly some merit in this, there is no clear evidence of a relationship between crime (and in particular delinquency) and urban decline. Indeed, most of the evidence suggests that factors such as lack of investment and inadequate facilities are more relevant to the deterioration of a neighbourhood.

That Kirklees should refer to the ‘broken windows’ theory as a justification for this intrusion is at best spurious and at worst dangerous.

Robert Nicholls

Kirkburton

Road reversal

I HAD to smile at the headline for April 27 1965 ‘New Hey Road widened from Reinwood Road upwards to prepare a dual carriage way for the new motorway’.

Forty-odd years on it has been reduced to a single lane cart track full of obstacles. It is just like Acre Street on Lindley: get stuck behind a bus and there is no way you can pass!

I wonder if all the properties along New Hey Road can reclaim their gardens back that were compulsorily purchased for a pittance now that the road width is no longer required?

David Morley

Lindley

Strikingly good news

HURRAY. Wonderful news. Let’s hope they stay on strike.

There are far too many taxis in Huddersfield as it is. Not only should the Council put up the licence fees, they ought to get rid of half the licences.

We have seen unlawful blockades by these arrogant people with the police failing to prosecute.

They are a danger on the roads with excessive speeds, particularly during the evenings and night.

What’s the hardship of walking home after a night out, plus, anyone doing so would be saving a nice lump of money for the next night out?

HARD UP AND FED UP

Fixby

Taxi free zone

MAY 1 is going to be a taxi strike day is it ?

Well it might be a good day to go travelling around Huddersfield and district in the car.

We might get a period where we can get around without taxis tailgating you, flying past you at more than excessive speeds rushing for their next fares, and if you are travelling around during the night near Huddersfield town centre, just watch yourselves at traffic lights!

Paul Deakin

Marsden

Comments beggar belief

CLR Kenneth Sim’s comments about New Mill Library on Wednesday, April 22 beggar belief.

I am flabbergasted that Clr Sims, after more than 20 years on Kirklees Council and serving in a senior position for many of those years, fails to understand the Council’s budgetary process.

Clr Sims and his colleagues ran the Council until January 2009. On two separate occasions, the Conservatives were briefed, at meetings specifically arranged to scrutinise officer spending plans.

The officer proposed cuts would have closed libraries at Kirkheaton and New Mill.

The Dalton councillors became aware of the officer proposal to close Kirkheaton Library. They raised their concerns and subsequently the Liberal Democrat/Labour groups put forward an amendment to keep Kirkheaton Library open.

All Tory councillors voted for a council tax rise, and to close libraries at New Mill Library and Kirkheaton.

Incidentally, the Tories proposed to move the Tourist Information Centre and abolish school clothing grants. The Conservatives in Holme Valley South, Clrs Kenneth Sims, Donald Firth and Nigel Patrick, did not table an amendment to save New Mill Library.

Were they all asleep on the job or just looking for an opportunity to campaign on an issue?

These are the facts and if Clr Sims disagrees then I suggest he attends the Council’s Cabinet.

Clr Mohan Sokhal MBE JP

Labour Councillor for Greenhead Ward

Down to the driver

SOME years ago I wrote to Clr George Speight, who was head of KMC Highways at the time, suggesting that 20 mph zones, which had started to be introduced in other parts of the country and were showing significant reductions in pedestrian accident statistics, may be a better idea than road humps for residential areas.

The Highways Department turned the idea down flat. Since then the world has moved on and the benefits of 20 mph zones appear to have been widely realised.

I actually suggested at the time that the town centre within the inner ring road should be declared so and Huddersfield town centre be advertised as a safer environment for shopping.

Enforcement is always the primary concern of the police and the highways authorities when introducing safety schemes – but should it be?

There will always be a minority of selfish ignorant motorists who do not understand the reasons for road safety around schools and residential streets.

Unfortunately it is because of the crass stupidity of this minority that everyone is treated more harshly.

If a scheme works and reduces accidents even though some may ignore it, it has value.

The vast majority of us take pride in being good drivers. Traffic signs can be a very effective way of reminding motorists of dangers and speed limits.

I travel thousands of miles a year and one of the best examples of this I have seen is at the village of Edwinstowe in Nottingham (Robin Hood’s village).

As you approach from a 40mph limit a traffic sign lights up and then the speed of your vehicle appears on it.

If your speed is above 30 it appears in red and flashes on and off, when the speed drops below 30, say 28 that speed appears steadily in green.

It advertises to you and everyone what the speed of your vehicle is and I have to say it works a treat.

I cannot recall ever seeing a car tearing along this road. Once the lead vehicle has slowed the traffic behind follows suit.

There will always be idiots who will not conform, but I am sure the vast majority of motorists would take note and welcome a more informative less authoritative form of road governance.

It is at least worth a try, and if it doesn’t work and safety figures show a need, then look at stricter ways of dealing with the problems.

Perhaps a trial of an advisory illuminated sign could be appropriate on Wakefield Road. Of course the downside is that they don’t make revenue from motorists like speed cameras.

John Langford

Backing grandparents

GRANDPARENTS who are of working age and are able to look after children will be on some sort of benefit anyway and are already getting their NHS stamp credited.

None of our members or acquaintances will qualify for this.

So come on Darling Chancellor, pay them a carers allowance and not a pittance.

Jimmy Deuchars

Grandparents Apart UK, Glasgow

Let’s talk about it

IN response to Philip Charlesworth’s letter (April 20) I was not suggesting that the next reorganisation of local government would offer the opportunity to recreate the County Borough of Huddersfield.

Far from it – the next reorganisation will be like all the others, it will be put forward as a fait accompli and it will impose an even bigger, more costly and less competent monster.

What I was trying to suggest was that we should be ready to resist this next dictat, preferably by having decided what form of local government we ourselves would like to establish.

And I would certainly not go further than suggesting that a new County Borough of Huddersfield might be a possible starting point; what I would like to see is this matter being thought about and talked about so that a clear and practical proposal might emerge covering all details from competence to boundaries.

One person’s detailed concept would be just as unacceptable as the imposition from central government.

Arthur Quarmby

Holme