IN RESPONSE to Paul Hepworth’s usual gloomy forecast of gridlock (Letters, May 25), I believe that altering Water End to one laneis one of the reasons the Lib Dems lost the election in York.

To take a busy junction such as Water End and block one of the lanes off can only be seen as a vindictive and irresponsible move against the motorist and traffic flow in general.

Yes, it did assist the usual handful of people who cycle, but it has caused problems for Westminster Avenue and the overwhelming majority of people who use the junction, the motorists. It also creates unnecessary pollution, wastes expensive fuel and creates ill feeling.

If gridlock ever does get here, then people will address it in their own way.

If that means that they cycle, then they will do it – but it will be their choice. To try and force the majority of people to do what they don’t want to do is undemocratic and wrong.

Water End, the Green Lane roundabout and the Acomb pedestrian crossing are prime examples of fixing what isn’t broken.

Steve Helsdon, Howe Hill Close, Holgate, York.