I WAS intrigued to see the comment on the Highways Agency website for the A64 that the effect of the roadworks at Copmanthorpe is "slight".

I live in York, commuting from the south end of the A1036 in the morning around the A64 towards Malton every day. The return journey used to take 15 minutes. It now takes between 45 minutes and 1 hours depending upon whether I am "good" and sit in the inside lane (from the start of the traffic jam which commences at or before the A19 junction) or whether I incur the hatred of others by driving down the outside lane cutting in at the point where the road sign indicates lane closure.

Sitting in stationary traffic every night is stressful, a waste of time, and disallows any option of planning ones ETA in the evening either home or socially. And inhaling the exhaust fumes is unpleasant and unhealthy.

I have written to the Highways Agency asking it to do something - it's driving me and hundreds of others nuts.

Dr Claire Sansford,

Lycett Road,

York.

...I HAVE a solution for Geoff Alderson of Maple Grove wanting to visit his daughter in Leeds ('Trapped by the jams', Letters, October 16).

If he is fit and able, he could walk or cycle over the Millennium Bridge at the end of his road, then take the riverside route along Terry Avenue and Skeldergate, then under the wall to the station (where free cycle parking is available). Alternatively a Route 7 Designerline bus from Broadway Top (Gimcrack) or Alma Terrace goes every 15 minutes (Monday to Saturday) direct to the station, albeit slowly in the traffic. Regular trains to Leeds also call at some local stops such as Garforth and New Pudsey.

His journey would probably be no quicker or cheaper but there would be one less car sitting on the A64 going nowhere, he might meet some people who have no chance but to use the train or who prefer fresh air and exercise... and he could say he had 'done his bit' for the environment and the planet.

Andy D'Agorne,

Broad

Updated: 10:49 Saturday, October 20, 2001