The issue of reducing the speed limit to 25 mph on our neighborhood streets (Diamondhead Drive, St. Andrews and Burning Tree) was presented to Andy Wilkison and various council members by concerned individuals of the aforementioned neighborhoods.

At the June council meeting, the issue was put on the July agenda.

Chief Phipps did not initiate this discussion but was asked by the council to attend in July and provide all interested parties with information regarding traffic issues.

Mr. Thomas (“25 mph Limit for Village? You’ve Got to Be Kidding,” July 22) seems to have a long-standing, unhealthy (seeing a police car makes his blood pressure rise), suspicious attitude toward law enforcement.

Portable speed-activated signs do serve a purpose. Chief Phipps used them for statistical data to show what was happening on our streets. But statistical data can be flawed.

Phipps’ presentation showed that about 85 percent of drivers are reasonably compliant with the 35 mph limit. But when you see one of these signs, natural instinct is to slow down. Also, if the car leading any number of cars down a road is compliant, the cars behind will be compliant out of necessity.

Why the state highways (N.C. 5, N.C. 211, U.S. 15-501) were mentioned in the column makes me wonder. They are not neighborhood streets and were not part of the discussion.

At the very end of his column, Thomas states he is not opposed to reducing the limit, say, to 30 mph. If the limit is put at 25, people will inch it up to 30. If it is put at 30, they will inch it up to 35. The limit needs to be 25 mph.

Residents of Diamondhead, St. Andrews and Burning Tree want to be able to enjoy a walk, a jog, a run, a bicycle ride or walking our pets without the fear of someone careening down our street at 35 mph.

Sandy Race

Pinehurst