In response to Selma Montford's views on traffic in Western Road (Letters, March 17), there are no simple solutions and the impact of buses serving outlying parts of the city has to be sensitively and safely catered for in this central area through which many currently pass - but without reducing the viability or safety of our community.

Fortunately, on December 11, 2003, Brighton and Hove City Council's environment committee agreed with the community's ward councillors that there be an immediate study of local proposals.

This will examine the opportunities for improving safety, reducing the causes of congestion, better absorbing the impact of buses and reversing many difficulties experienced by businesses and residents. In the meantime, there will be no changes to the existing 2001 Zone M traffic orders that might prejudice the outcome of the study.

A welcome outcome from an integrated new layout should be sharp reductions in the parking and moving traffic infringements that arise from the present layout, of which only a small fraction are currently penalised but all of which contribute to a troubling lack of community and road user safety.

We hope this enlightened approach by the council to local proposals and the co-operation of the bus company will soon result in the much-needed improvements.

These problems are city-wide and are not soluble by bus clearways or simply removing cars from the road.

Shops, restaurants and businesses need facilities to encourage all manner of customers and for delivery of supplies. The drivers of buses and taxis (as well as cars) need clear entrances and exit paths at all stops, ranks and crossings. Children need safe walking routes to school.

-TA Chavasse, The Friends of Brunswick Square and Terrace, Louise M Brice Brunswick Traders Association