Why 20mph limits should apply to roundabouts and junctions

THERE is much talk of making 20mph a mandatory speed limit in all built up areas in England.

Perhaps as an experiment they should try out the reduced limit on roundabouts and road junctions.

When I first started driving I was instructed to expect to stop and give way on roundabouts and junctions, the modern way appears to be approach the junctions at speed anticipating traffic and expecting to force your way in.

How traffic and the way we drive has changed – not for the better I might add.

D M Deamer,

Penleys Grove Street,

Monkgate,

York

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Why Government’s new-homes target will not be met

I WAS interested to read recently that the Government’s target of 1.5million new homes by 2029 will not be met, with the industry predicting a shortfall of 400,000 homes.

Apparently, major housebuilding companies are reducing their land purchases due to a cooling market and increased regulatory costs, and planning applications have hit a ten year low.

This all reminds me of the warnings that myself and Matthew Laverack gave York Council 20 years ago; that demanding too many affordable homes from private housebuilders would deter them from building and put many out of business.

This subsequently resulted in record low outturn and planning permissions, and now we only have Barratt and Persimmon left building in York, with all the small housebuilders all but gone.

The moral of the story is that politicians in Government and councils do not listen. They impose greedy unworkable regulations which ultimately ends in disaster.

The housebuilding industry is structurally broken, and over-regulation by politicians who do not listen, is to blame.

Paul S Cordock,

Durlston Drive,

Strensall, York

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Keep cats and lilies apart

JUNE brings the lily bloom – and for cats, a potentially deadly threat that guardians must note.

Every part of a lily – petals, leaves, pollen, and even vase water – is highly toxic to cats.

Even brushing past a flower and grooming pollen from their fur can expose them to a poison that attacks the kidneys, and kidney failure can occur around 24 to 72 hours after ingestion.

If you suspect a cat has come into contact with lilies and you notice symptoms such as an upset stomach, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, increased urination, or increased thirst, get to a vet immediately.

The safest advice is simple: if you live with a cat, don’t bring lilies into your home.

Elisa Allen,

Vice President of Programmes,

PETA,

Society Building,

All Saints St,

London