NOTICES announcing a public meeting about road safety and traffic calming are raising eyebrows in Redbrook.

The posters, inviting local people to the meeting on March 22nd, appear similar to 30 mph speed limit signs from a distance and feature the classic red circle encompassing the black figure 30.

However, the posters, designed by Redbrook Contact Group, have been condemned as provocative and offensive by some motorists and a number have been torn down by people angered by the controversial approach.

The posters appear on nearly every telegraph post and notice board in the small village on the A466 in the heart of the Wye Valley between Monmouth and Chepstow. They catch attention with a number of speed related slogans such as "If you are over 30 you are past it" and "If your speed is over 30 what is your IQ?"

Despite the controversy the Contact Group remains unrepentant. A recent community consultation survey in the village of about 200 households showed overwhelming support for improved traffic calming measures while the police forces and local authorities are divided about the issue.

Gloucestershire Police statistics show that there is a serious speeding problem on the picturesque A466 through the village and the traffic calming measures put in place in recent years by Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire County Councils have not been effective.

Redbrook village straddles the England/Wales border three miles south of Monmouth and five councils and two police forces have responsibility for a population of around 500 people.

Both police forces have promised to attend the public meeting on March 22nd along with Gloucestershire County Council officials and representatives from neighbouring villages in both counties.

The Contact Group have also sent written invitations to Monmouthshire County Council Highways chief David Harris and to local MPs Huw Edwards and Diana Organ along with Welsh Assembly Member David Davies.