I THINK I know where all my rates go to. Not, as I presumed, to maintain and improve the beautiful city of York.

Firstly we see humps and ridges of various sizes emerge in the roads to, supposedly, reduce the speed of traffic with safety in mind.

Yes, perhaps they do enhance safety, but also they increase the running costs of car, bus and taxis which need frequent renewal of exhaust pipes.

Then I see something amazing, outside University of York, the golf course entrance.

Various places were widened and it was a good idea.

Then traffic islands were built which increased congestion by introducing a one-way traffic route.

Now I see one of these traffic islands has been removed and a straightforward zebra crossing installed.

Why didn't they do this in the first place? York citizens must spot the mistake for themselves.

Berenice Gardein,

Third Avenue,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 10:21 Monday, March 17, 2003