I am a Palerang councillor, elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012, but I am conveying a personal opinion not that of council.

The community has made it quite clear that reducing the speed limit on the northern approach to Braidwood is preferable to removing the trees. Take all the cuttings you like for a long-term plan, after all we know the trees won't last forever (but for many years yet), but deal with the immediate problem.

We all need safe roads and the best option to immediately make the Kings Highway safer is to lower the speed limit. You could do it next week. After all, the 50kmh zone appeared overnight without warning.

Along the avenue of trees is the turn-off to the Braidwood show ground. More and more caravans and motor homes are using this facility. It is likely that it will be upgraded and more enthusiastically promoted in the near future. It is part of the town. Motorists will need to be mindful of grey nomads looking for the entrance, both from behind, and turning right from the Canberra side.

In a couple of weeks we have the Braidwood annual show. It has always been hair-raising working on the gate as I do and watching hundreds of cars entering and leaving a 100kmh zone.

An 80kmh zone from Deloraine Lane to the 50kmh town zone makes a lot of sense. It adds a minute or so to the trip to the coast but greatly enhances public safety.

Why can't you just do it?

Paul Cockram

Mongarlowe