MRS Epsley of Mason's Lane, Bradford on Avon, suggests a one-year trial of a one-way system in the town (Wiltshire Times, June 28). She should recall that such a trial took place for three months in 1999. The effect on this area of the town (Mount Pleasant, New Road and Springfield) was all too clear.

The additional traffic caused extreme congestion: increased danger to road users, pedestrians, including children walking to St Laurence and Christ Church schools, the elderly and people with disabilities: increased pollution from traffic fumes and noise: residents were in danger when attempting to gain access to their cars and again when attempting to join the traffic stream: traffic fumes lingered in houses. All these occurred daily.

We oppose any such trial and look to the County Council Environmental Services Department to explore other, more imaginative, ways to solve the air quality problem. The present proposals not only move pollution from one area to another but also increase it overall: hardly an environmental improvement.

Three years ago, similar traffic diversion proposals were successfully opposed by residents of the town and surrounding area. All concerned are urged to voice their opposition to the current proposals.

One point on which we can agree, however, is that Bradford on Avon needs a bypass, or, as some say, a relief road!

DE HINDE

(Co-ordinator, New Road and Area Residents Group)

New Road

Bradford on Avon