With reference to recent letters about traffic congestion, as a bus driver for Thamesdown Transport I would like to add my opinion. (This is my own opinion, not that of the company).

I know that most car drivers hate buses but, hey, we are providing a service for the public.

The addition of more traffic lights around the town centre has hindered traffic flow, not improved it.

The "improvements" around the Princes Street area, where a new pedestrian crossing has been installed, have simply added to the congestion.

The wording on the roundabout says in big white letters KEEP CLEAR but do any car drivers take any notice?

What isn't helping either is the long staging of the traffic lights at the end of Fleming Way (at the end of the bus park lane). Come midday onwards during the week there is a huge build up of traffic because these lights take too long on red and hold up all lunchtime commuters coming into town, not to mention busses trying to get out and keep to a timetable. (We do try to, honest!)

This creates a build up of traffic and queues that can go back as far as B&Q on a Friday when many companies finish early.

The top of Victoria Hill, outside the EA offices (which is a bus stop) is a prime example of congestion.

There are double yellow lines all the way, yet usually you find several delivery lorries and couriers dropping off, all deciding to park in the bus stop. This leaves us with no option but to go in at a sharp angle so the front of the bus is on the kerb.

Doing so leaves the back of the bus jutting into the rest of the road, which may cause distress to other road users, incite road rage and make more congestion. Think about it...

P Devine

Wroughton