Pete Sayers, secretary of the Motorists Equity and Unity Party (Letters, April 5), is either a newcomer to the A23 in Brighton or he has a short memory as he attempts to perpetuate the myth that the creation of the southbound bus lane along London Road has decreased capacity for the general motorist.

It has in fact increased it, for before the introduction of the cycle and bus lanes there were a number of pedestrian islands along the road together with a wide area of hatching which meant that all traffic was confined to one lane, with difficulty passing a bus when stopping to pick up passengers.

Now, with a dedicated bus and taxi lane taking these vehicles out of the general lane, more space has been provided for private motorists and commercial vehicles allowing the buses to keep to their schedules which affect not only Patcham residents but the thousands across the city who use them.

I fail to see how turning areas into pedestrian precincts makes the city a no-go area for its inhabitants - quite the reverse.

To shop and browse without constantly having to worry about traffic is one of the pleasures of shopping malls and car-free streets.

  • K Page, Preston Park Avenue, Brighton