I grew up in Woodbrook as a child being able to play a game of cricket on Tragarete Road, believe it or not, for a good period before being interrupted by traffic. I observe open-mindedly the changes the new traffic plan has brought to a once residential area (not excluding the very huge buildings the City Corporation has allowed to be erected.) It seems almost oppressive that this is forced down our throats as a plan to benefit whom?

Tragarete Road has never had a build-up of traffic going east ever, yet we claim the road is clear and traffic moving. What I want Mr Piggot ( the "engineer'') to consider is the following:

1. There are in excess of ten schools in the environs of his plan what is his plan for the volume of traffic dropping off and safe crossings for those on foot? (Won't cross paths interrupt the smooth flow)? One has to cross four lanes of cars to complete crossing.

2. Four lanes of traffic on Tragarete Road at speeds in excess of 60 kph, merging traffic, ( I have witnessed six smash-ups and we are on day three. The police do not have the equipment on hand to stop these speedsters.

3. Woodbrook is famed for bag snatchers, I guess it's not your job to consider that when we enclose Woodbrook with two "freeways'' that the centre becomes less utilised especially at nights. We are going to see roberries increase with the distances to walk to obtain transport. A vegetable stall in St James was robbed yesterday. Also, the traffic flow is predictable and the quiet times make it ideal for bandits to prey.

4. Business is grinding to a halt in these areas. "Breakfast'' business is non-existent for most businesses on these routes with the restriction. People are going to lose jobs.

5. Could you answer how would four lanes of traffic from Ariapita Avenue would fit into two at Park and Richmond streets when school re-opens? West-based people going to drop kids at Sacred Heart Girls' and Boys', Maria Regina, St Joseph Convent, CIC, Rosary Boys' and others. Mind you traffic is also coming south and north of Park Street.

Could it be made public knowledge who were the contractors doing the signs before, because the Ministry is now picking up the slack, (with some very flimsy signs). Is this another kick back?

This to me is another money-making scheme. This is not working, and should the media be serious about giving a realistic report on this plan, ask pedestians, ask businessmen, ask evening commuters instead of these "honchos'' that are nowhere in the frustration of our new "corbeau-circling'' traffic plan.

Natasha Ferreira

Woodbrook