AT 11pm I was travelling on the M55, average speed 55mph until the approach to the M6 interchange.

Overhead gantry speed for all lanes was flashing ‘40mph’. There didn't seem to be a problem, but I slowed as instructed.

The next gantry was flashing ‘20’. I could see roadworks coned off but no workmen, vehicles or indeed, any industry whatsoever. We were the only vehicle. As we passed the roadworks, the gantry above flashed ‘End’.

From a safety aspect of both myself and any non-existent workers, the warnings were not needed. This seems prevelant along all motorways with roadworks. Surely, the person who switches these warnings on at the start of obstructions should have the academic qualifications to turn them off when they are no longer needed.

Is it any wonder that motorists, in the main, ignore the gantry speed warnings and thus increase the risk of an accident?

Alan Lightbown-Whalley, Douglas Place, Blackburn