ONCE again angry and frustrated motorists are directing, via the Daily Echo, their “ire and fire” at local authority highways and traffic management departments.

We have, on several occasions, experienced near “gridlock” conditions.

However, is this criticism fair, or are they justly to blame? Several weeks ago UKIP leader Mr Farage blamed the effects of mass immigration for the increase in motorway delays.

Severe hold-ups caused him to be late for a meeting.

A subsequent survey for the BBC’s Daily Politics programme stated that immigrants hardly used the motorways and it was down to the indigenous population. Incredible.

Can an analogy be drawn to Southampton traffic conditions? Me thinks not. This city has experienced the largest population growth of non-indigenous peoples in its history.

The effects on schools, housing and NHS etc are well known and documented. Did the national politicians who instigated this policy think it would have “nil” effect on our road and transport systems?

Walking everywhere or using bicycles is not a serious option for the newcomers. I’m not sure if it is simple negligence or naivety.

Personally I have no political axe to grind, racism does not come into the argument but realism does.

The facts are, unless politicians of whatever party come up with a realistic and workable plan to control the migrant influx into this country and our cities, the situation can only get worse.

Trying to put a “quart into a pint pot” comes to mind.

L A THOMAS, Southampton.