Recent letters about the A23 in Brighton (Letters, April 11) have highlighted - or minimised - the problems for drivers with the new layout through Patcham and Withdean.

Southbound drivers turning right hold up the traffic behind, which is then tempted to veer illegally into the bus lane where it comes into conflict with faster-moving buses, taxis and bikes.

Southbound drivers turning left must do so across the bus lane - many are unsure whether to move into the bus lane early or leave it until they are almost at their turning.

Northbound drivers turning right can no longer move into the centre of the road. They hold up the traffic behind until they can cross the oncoming traffic which is often one slow-moving lane in the centre of the road and then vehicles going at 30mph in the bus lane.

The removal of central refuges has made it much harder for pedestrians to cross the road safely except at the few light-controlled crossings which are a long way apart.

The whole scheme needs urgently to be revised, especially at busy junctions.

There have already been some minor accidents and many near misses. It can only be a matter of time until there is a serious accident.

  • James Simister, Brighton and Hove Independents, Withdean ward, Bates Road, Brighton