I NOTE with interest the reaction of Mr Davis of the Worcestershire Highways Partnership to the fatal accident on Saturday, December 29 on the Welland Road near Upton. His comments (Malvern Gazette, January 4) miss the point.

Whether or not the road contributed to the accident, the fact remains that this is a very dangerous section of road, as all of us living here are aware every time we use it.

Traffic has greatly increased in recent years on a road which was never intended to carry so much. The 40mph cancellation sign is sited at the beginning of a downhill stretch, and drivers are encouraged to accelerate legally to 60mph at the approach to blind bends, passing on the way our concealed entrance.

The position of this cancellation is difficult to understand, especially since all over Worcestershire there are straight roads with perfect visibility, which merit a 30mph limit.

Mr Davis' specious argument in the second last paragraph of your article, that a lower speed limit would make the road more dangerous if everyone ignored it, would be risible if the matter were not so serious.

If a limit is set at 40, some drivers are inclined to drive at 50, but if the limit is 60 some will drive at 70 - which is what happens constantly on the Welland Road. No amount of 'signage' or road markings will make any difference: indeed, there are already signs indicating bends.

I hope the Highways Partnership does not require a second fatal accident before facing up to its responsibilities.

JOHN R LAMB, Welland Road, Upton-upon-Severn.