I have followed the debate on the problems of the A64 junction with interest and on this occasion I must agree with Brian Percival (Letters, April 14) in allocating some blame for accidents on bad driving.

I was a councillor for 18 years in Copmanthorpe, the past four as chairman, and the Top Lane junction was a continuing and worrying problem. It was quite common for people to see drivers deliberately driving through red lights - one nearly hit me as I started to move across on the green light. I also actually saw a school bus (admittedly empty) drive through on the red. Unfortunately it was impossible to see the registration number of the vehicle.

We campaigned for cameras at the junction but it was quite apparent that closure was the preferred option. However, a temporary closure at the Top Lane junction for repairs did make a small point as a large traffic back up was created at Manor Heath at rush hours and bus users and car drivers complained that they were late for work.

I always maintained that one of the reasons for the accident level was bad driving. There is obviously a nucleus of drivers who drive with their accelerators hard down and with complete disregard for traffic regulations and public safety. Large fines on photographic evidence could help and incidentally bring in substantial revenues. After all - one day of speed checks on Hull Road brought in £40,000!

Jean Johnson,

Holtby,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.