NOW that the council have painted the roads with so much enthusiasm that normally it would be called paranoid, it seems that everything is nice and straightforward.

No more speeding motorists, all bicycles using cycle lanes, accidents being reduced, and everything seems rosy.

Well, for those who live on Planet Nog, let me tell you this is far from the truth. Twice in one day, my partner and I were nearly hit by cyclists speeding down Belmont Road on the pavement. This is not an uncommon sight. Regularly, they are seen on Blackburn Road, racing down the pavements, weaving between elderly people, who must be petrified when they see such ignorance.

As for the speed limits on our roads. Well, you might as well make it 70mph. All this talk about digital speed cameras. Stand on Belmont Road for half-an-hour and see what the majority of motorists think about built-up areas or the 30mph restrictions. Since well before Christmas, I have not seen one speed camera in operation. And stand on the junction of Blackburn Road and Moss Bank Way and Crompton Way -- many of the speed merchants seem to think that a red light is the start of the Formula One series.

I have come to the conclusion that simply "window dressing" never covers up the true facts about road safety, because the facts are that passing legislation is about as much use as a chocolate teapot if the law can not be implemented.

Norman Hayden

Broad o'th' Lane

Astley Bridge

Bolton