SIR - The article entitled You can't have a crossing because drivers won't stop' (Worcester News, March 29) filled me with laughter and immense frustration at the same time.

The amusement came about when I recalled the last time I heard such rubbish, which was a few years ago when the infamous Iraqi Information Minister Comical Ali addressed the world press.

Indeed, the local parish council chairman summed up very well the actions of the Highways Agency, saying: "I think the residents will say it's bureaucracy gone mad." Good point, well made.

The immediate frustration is because of the very serious nature of the problem. The Highways Agency seems to believe the car takes priority and the pedestrian deserves second best.

This particularly applies to the area of St Peter's, Worcester, close to a children's play area and on a designated and well laid out path between Tesco and Farne Avenue.

Cars and motorbikes (proof on any weekend can be seen and heard of the equally dangerous latter) do go too fast along St Peter's Drive. No need for a study paid for by the taxpayer to establish this fact. Just come and ask us.

The average quoted speed of 35.1mph means a significant number of motorists must be exceeding the speed limit by a considerable distance.

My logic would tell me that a crossing will inevitably slow down the traffic. Perhaps the solution is not a zebra crossing. The more suitable option will be a pelican crossing. But we'll be greeted with excuses that this would cost too much. But can anyone place a price on any project to stop a death caused by speeding drivers?

As a local parent with two young children, I call on St Peter's residents to get behind the parish council and support them in the crusade to make St Peter's a safer place for pedestrians of all ages.

Don't put your faith in the Highways Agency, it's the same people who made such a mess of the southern link road.

Julian Bennett, St Peter's, Worcester.