In 1865 the government implemented a law requiring self-propelled vehicles, later to be known as motor cars, to be led by a pedestrian waving a red flag or carrying a lantern to warn people of the vehicle’s approach.

The statute, roughly translated, read: ‘One of such persons, while any motor vehicle is in motion, shall precede the vehicle on foot by 60 yards and shall carry a red flag constantly displayed warning pedestrians of the approach of such vehicles and shall notify the driver when it shall be necessary to stop’.

The reason that I write this, is that I have a strong hunch that the man carrying the flag could be making a comeback.

The pros and cons of speed limits will never be resolved amicably; a 20mph limit will eventually arrive, not just in Kendal, but everywhere.

It will only add to the lengthening and congestion of traffic tailbacks, there will be more air pollution and fuel consumption and longer delays.

The only people who may benefit will be the council collecting the revenue of motorists breaking the speed limit.

Once 20mph is the norm, mark my words, it will be a case of which town will then introduce a 10mph limit?

After that, look out for the man with the red flag. He will be easy to recognise, not only will he be waving the flag, I feel sure he will be wearing the regulatory Hi-Vis jacket and trousers, hard hat, safety spectacles, complete with steel-capped work boots.

Michael Brooks

Kendal