Letter: Amber gambler

One reason for Edinburgh's gridlock (your report, 14 June) is that traffic signals are not timed to the traffic flow.

It is frustrating to wait at a red light and see the more major road's green light last for 50 seconds, when the norm is 30 seconds. For the last 20 seconds, few if any vehicles pass through.

If every traffic light is mistimed by even a few seconds, the result is increased fuel consumption, pollution and journey times. Since most journeys involve travelling through a number of lights, the waste mounts up.

It is a pleasure when I come across a set of lights which are switched off; there is no stationary traffic. Drivers seem to welcome the opportunity to think for themselves.

By slowing down, looking for other road users and making eye contact they negotiate the way forward in safety. The odd driver who drives as if his light is at green,is easily accommodated.

If switching off traffic lights is too much for some, then how about a flashing amber light, similar to pelican crossings?

Stanley McWhirter

Balcarres Street

Edinburgh