Traffic lights stop roads running smoothly

sir – Like many places, Tunbridge Wells experiences traffic jams and tailbacks stretching out of town for miles.

Sometimes, a set of lights fails and, on that stretch of road, traffic moves smoothly. The more traffic is “managed”, the worse it flows. Edward Baker

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

sir – I agree with Martin Cassini (Comment, April 9) that many of the traffic lights on our roads merely cause jams and frustration.

In Hereford, a new short link road passes our station and joins two main roads, but there are so many traffic lights that it is quicker to go through the city. There was space along the new road to construct roundabouts at each junction instead of lights. It is frustrating to sit in a queue of vehicles waiting for perhaps one to pass the other way. Paul Sant

Hereford sir – Traffic lights are a nuisance and a cash cow for planners and systems manufacturers. Lights at roundabouts are even worse.

Yet there is a simple, free solution: set all existing lights to permanent flashing amber. This would make drivers approach with caution and remind them to observe Highway Code rights of way, justifying the lights’ existence and obviating the need for costly removal.

Tony Stone

Oxted, Surrey

sir – Waiting at lights when there are no crossing vehicles increases driver tension, but slowing down for a merging vehicle produces an inner glow, like giving, particularly when gratitude is shown.

When I drive in America I find that junctions without lights run freely, and drivers always give way to the first to arrive there.

Tony Manning

Barton on Sea, Hampshire