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What's your limit?

Susannah Wright
15/ 5/2008

RESIDENTS have been left scratching their heads after two contradictory speed limit signs were installed opposite each other on their road.

Neighbours on the quiet suburban Stratton Road in Chorlton said they have been left confused over how fast they are allowed to drive since the signs went up earlier this month.

Those living on the odd-sided numbers of the road are in a 30-miles-per-hour zone, while their neighbours on the opposite side of the road, are apparently limited to 20 miles per hour.

Harold Lantsberry, who lives on the odd-numbered side of the road, said: "It’s quite ridiculous and I wondered at first whether it’s some kind of joke.

"I don’t know which speed the council is going to try and enforce, but perhaps it’s simply an IQ test for harassed drivers."

Mr Lantsberry, a retired teacher who has lived on the road for 55 years with his wife, added: "We were told last year that the street was going to get speed limits, but now to get two different signs is inexplicable."

The council has admitted that a mistake has been made in installing the signs and has promised that it will be rectified as soon as possible.

Khalida Mahmood also lives in what has been signed as the 30-mile zone, with her husband Khalid and five children.

Mrs Mahmood, 46, a lunch-time organiser at Manley Park school, said: "It’s quite stupid and ridiculous.

"I don’t know how the council is going to decide who’s speeding or not."

Wendy Hodkinson lives a few doors down from of the street.

The retired civil servant said: "It’s a bit silly really.

"People do speed along this road but what’s the point of putting up two different signs.

"I’d prefer it if they had lit-up flashing signs, then at least people would take proper notice of it."

On the other side of the road, Abdul Fadel, 45, and his wife, Randa, are apparently limited to 20 miles per hour.

Mr Fadel, a meat and delicatessen produce retailer, said: "This is stupid and very confusing.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw the coverings being taken off the signs.

"At first I thought this is totally wrong, but hopeful it‘s just a mistake. As far as I know, this side of the road is not more dangerous than that side, so I don't know why we should be going slower."

The speed limit on the road before the signs were erected was 30 mph.

A spokesman for Manchester City Council said: "We are aware that a mistake has been made in the mounting of the signs and it will be rectified as soon as possible."