20mph and disjointed government

Another day another piece of government idiocy. Local authorities are to be encouraged to introduce 20mph zones in all residential areas. Quite apart from the dubious safety benefits, where's the joined-up government?

We're being told that cutting emissions to save the planet is the most important thing ever. Yet, on the very day that Gordon Brown flies to Copenhagen to take part in the climate change shindig, we get a policy announcement that will raise vehicle emissions at a stroke.

Is it too much to ask for someone to think these things through? Is there any wonder we've lost faith in politicians?

GOM