Brighton and Hove's road traffic problems will never be entirely solved, simply due to an accident of geography.

Inland historic cities such as Chester and Oxford have a near-circular layout and a choice of radial routes approaching the centre via a ring road.

Brighton, however, must make do with merely a semicircular plan, with the majority of traffic coming from one direction - London and the north.

For decades people have driven down the A23 (now M23) for their day out by the sea, little thinking where they might park once they arrive.

Funnelling the traffic down the London Road towards the Aquarium roundabout and the seafront does no one any favours.

Congestion such as that on the day of the London to Brighton cycle ride could easily be forecast.

Traffic planners need to intercept motorists on the outskirts of the city and offer public transport, such as a rapid transit system or improved park-and-ride.

Traffic signs could also indicate alternative routes - for example west on the A27 towards Hove for King Alfred and Hove Lagoon, and east through Woodingdean for Kemp Town and the Marina.

Or maybe a new station somewhere near Waterhall could provide park-and-train-ride?

-Mrs Mary Orchard, Woodingdean