MOST villages in Lancashire have 'welcoming' signs of 30mph on their outskirts. May I urge everyone who travels through these villages, especially the villagers themselves, to actively try to enjoy travelling at 30mph or less.

After all, it isn't a bad speed. It's a lot faster than walking. The looks and layout of these villages can be enjoyed at this speed.

You won't be fined £60, The villagers won't be annoyed. Walkers, horse riders and other pedestrians will be pleased. 'Less than 30mph' has a lot of going for it. So please take it easy and enjoy it.

That's the carrot. The stick is dreadful -- as witnessed in Tockholes. The 40-50-60mph lot have brought down on us 20mph signs, chicanes and mountainous speed bumps every 100 yards or so. It's terrible. But it has to be said they work. Except for the odd lunatic, the traffic is calm, considerate and, most of all, safe.

One or two things could be better but, on the whole, I'm happy to accept the tedium which traffic calming measures bring.

I'm even beginning to enjoy the ultra palava: 'After you Claude,' 'No, after you Cecil' mentality and the friendly thank-you hand signs which quite often accompany the increasing courtesy being shown at these chicanes by drivers.

But, of course, I would much prefer to revert to 30mph signs and open roads.

J BRADLEY, Pickup Brow, Tockholes.