The point about road closures such as Partingdale Lane is that they should only be justified on health safety grounds.

Rat-running traffic in the peak hours has reached epidemic proportions, and a large proportion of the traffic consists of 4x4 vehicles on the school run, but whose drivers have scant regard for safe speed limits or car sharing.

We must have a balance between the needs and wants of car drivers and residents of potential cul-de-sacs for the common good a healthy and safe environment.

The answer, surely, is that more potential rat runs in Barnet are calmed through a combination of speed cameras and 20mph limits, more rigidly enforced. This will heavily reduce the incentive of rat runners.

Isn't it time for a bit of positive leadership from the council?

David Gutman

Torrington Park, North Finchley

June 25, 2002 16:00