Madam, In these days of austerity, what on earth has been the cost of tarting up the A49 between Hereford and Ross? Do the Highways Dept think all Herefordshire drivers are both myopic and half-witted? I have just returned from a trip to Scotland and there is not a road to compare. On the A49 every speed limit sign is duplicated on the road surface outlined in RED and then repeated, most of the road markings are also outlined in RED. Further, if the road is too 'wide' it is then narrowed with RED BOX markings [redhill leaving Hereford and at the top of the Callow]

Are these distractions really going to improve road safety? Every turning seems to have to have aquired a huge yellow background surround. Then there are signs with made up names added for further distraction. Could we not just have longer, lower speed limits with fewer signs and distractions? I am sure it would be safer.

Nick Helme, Wainfield,

Peterstow, Ross