I’m going to make some politically incorrect statements, but since, to the best of my knowledge, they are true, I don’t much care about putting political noses out of joint.

In the latest issue of the Chepping Wycombe Parish Council Newsletter, you make a big thing of the moveable vehicle activated sign (MVAS). According to your figures, around 20-30 per cent of all vehicles exceed 34mph in a 30mph zone. I think most experienced drivers could have told you that from observation, without this sign.

And what, pray tell, will you do with this earth-shattering revelation? Well, from the newsletter, it seems you will set up a “working group”. That sounds a lot like a committee to me, so I expect nothing will come of it.

No, until speeds are policed, by real police, with real speed-traps at all hours of the day, and with real penalties, the expensive electronic toy looks like a case of “we must do something, and this is something, so we must do it”. It is worse than a complete waste of time; human psychology being what it is, you are challenging certain groups of drivers to speed... along the lines of: “I got the sign to say 50, bet you can’t do better!”

I should also bring to your attention the unacceptable performance of those responsible for fitting the sign, at least in the Blind Lane site, where the operatives parked their cars dangerously close to the exit of Little Close, necessitating avoiding action... all in the cause of road safety?

While on the subject of wasted effort and money, can you tell us how much the newsletter costs to print and distribute? It’s on quality paper, printed in full colour, so it isn’t going to be cheap. However, other council work seems to be rationed because of lack of funds (staged rollout of the play facilities, etc). Here’s a chance for the council to do something positive: put the newsletter on the internet and stop wasting money and resources sending out paper newsletters to every house. Those interested get the news and our bins are not filled with expensive paper. And don’t fret about those who don’t have the internet: that’s why it’s available in libraries.

It could be argued that it is easy to criticise from the sidelines, but with the council making criticism so easy by its actions, are you surprised? For goodness sake, do things that matter, stop doing things for the sake of being seen to do things and stop wasting my money. — Jim Blake, by email