Weight of opinion

SIR - The roads and footpaths in and around Sidmouth were constructed when the overall width of a heavy goods vehicle was 7’6”, maximum.

Today, the width of a heavy goods vehicle is well over 8’, thus increasing the available working area of road, but reduces the distances and area of road left for pedestrians, cyclists etc., to whom an inch is worth a mile.

Buses and coaches, which were restricted to 7’6” wide, are now allowed to be 8’ wide, thus creating more danger for cyclists and pedestrians, but who cares if someone is making a profit?

There is only one way to deal with this problem and that is to impose a weight limitation on vehicles entering the town.

Harry Walkden (aged 91)

32 Malden Road, Sidmouth