Ashamed – Is this what Whitchurch needs?

"20mph where people live" – who would have thought it would be so controversial – certainly not me but apparently it can enrage some beyond what many would deem to be acceptable behaviour.

Last weekend I heard of near violence and verbal abuse against a local family who simply believe a lower speed of 20mph would be beneficial to their well-being. They are as much entitled to their views as are those who oppose reducing speed limits, yet some anti-20mph protestors had gone as far as seeking out the family's home to deliver their vitriol and personal threats.

Ashamed
I was ashamed that this was in a community I hold dear and in high regard; one where support for fellow residents is the usual order of the day and where strangers still greet each other in the street.
Opinions on speed limits are divided, but whatever one's own viewpoint, respect for your neighbours and their rights to hold their own views is of paramount importance in a civilised society, otherwise we descend into anarchy.

Is personal transport so important that a reduction of a few mph justifies such behaviour? Wait until petrol runs out; when congestion leads to total gridlock and when food or emergency services can no longer be delivered – what will the reactions be then?
I like to think we would work together rather than fight each other, but on recent showings I am not hopeful. If a 20mph scheme creates such aggression what will a fuel drought cause?

But it gets worse
Whilst the above incident was appalling, on the very same day it was reported that another family man was physically attacked on the town's zebra crossing in front of his children. A driver had needed to stop to allow them to cross. Unhappy at the delay the driver got out of his car and violently attacked the pedestrian, leaving his face swollen and bruised.

Is this reaction to being held up for a few seconds acceptable in our town? Or anywhere? Is a few seconds of time so important that it warrants physical harm?

No one should be at the end of this treatment.
Today I did not feel happy walking in my town.