2010/2 pp4–5

Extracts from letters sent from Ewell Rural District Council between June 6th and July 5th, 1907 to Epsom Rural District Council.

‘I am instructed by the above named Council [Ewell] to forward the following which is a copy of a Resolution passed at a meeting held on the 5th instant.

“That this Council communicate with the Rural District Council and County Council protesting against the persistent use of the roads by Motorists to the detriment of the general public, and ask the Councils to consider what steps can be taken to again enable the public to use the roads with comfort and safety”…

‘I beg to acknowledge the receipt of yours dated the 22nd instant and in reply thereto, the points raised were dangerous and excessive speed and the great nuisance caused by the amount of dust raised.

‘Referring to mine of the 6th June last, I am instructed by the above named Council to ask if anything has been done and to call your attention to the fact that the Kingston Road on the top of Beggars Hill, Ewell, does not measure 16ft and whether this road does not come under Section 8 of the Motor Car Act 1903. I have to inform you that a Racing Motor Car was seen a few days ago travelling at this point between 40 and 50 miles an hour, and it was a great wonder that no one was killed’.

Barbara Abdy