IN an interview with Radio Oxford’s Bill Heine, Oxfordshire County Council’s ‘head traffic warden’, Ian Hudspeth, stated that “the 20mph speed limits on Oxford’s residential roads are an experiment”.

Two things sprung to mind: Firstly, Ian’s method of responding to questions reminded me of my old gran’s quote: “He spouts a lot, but says nowt,” and, secondly, an experiment? That’s effectively a line trial.

And if it fails? That’s over £330,000 wasted.

Of course, more will be wasted because the roads that I’ve used haven’t had the signs erected correctly in line with current road traffic acts.

So we can either ignore them or be fairly certain that, if threatened with prosecution, it wouldn’t reach court.

If a company was to carry out line trials, it would start in a small way, then, if successful, run a larger trial. So why has OCC run it back to front – especially in a time of financial crisis?

Much as I cannot stand the thought of another five years of New Labour, if Mr Cameron really wants to ensure we trust Tory policies, I suggest he gets a grip on this incredibly poorly thought out waste of money.

It might even take people’s minds off MPs’ expenses.

Mick Heavey, Old Marston, Oxford