Now that there is a change in control at the city council perhaps it wouldn't be too much to ask that some simple modifications be made to traffic lights to improve the flow of traffic and reduce the environmental impact of gridlock.

For example, at the junction of Hill Lane, Archers Road and Howard Road why not alter the lights to enable each leg to have exclusive access in turn (and allow a right hand turn from Hill Lane into Howard Road)?

Currently if three vehicles want to turn right into Archers Road this blocks vehicles wanting to turn left in Howard Road or carry on along Hill Lane.

Another example is the arrangement at the junction of St James Road and Winchester Road where a dedicated left hand lane is held on red when it would be perfectly safe and sensible to allow traffic to proceed.

There are no doubt many other examples across the city where low cost improvements could realise significant benefits.

Andrew Smith

Shirley