AS a top notch, clever-dick know-all expert on all matters to do with driving and traffic, as most motorists, especially men, are, I went to the meeting about the London Road/Windsor Drive traffic lights in Devizes prepared to give everyone the full benefit of my scepticism. 
Imagine my disappointment when I found all my preconceived, set-in-concrete theories shot down in flames. 
I can remember all the fun the Brewery Corner lights gave us many years ago. The waiting there allowed us to shave, do our make-up, have a go at the crossword. We have to wait until we’re on London Road now.
The computer model used in the meeting had been loaded with a huge amount of data, and showed how Swindon-bound traffic from 8.30am would move out of town along London Rd at a much, much better rate.
This early morning traffic jam is mainly caused by having to constantly give way to Windsor Drive traffic. This isn’t helped by the traffic that uses the Brickley Lane/Jump Farm Road rat run crowding down Windsor Drive. 
The idea is to give Windsor Drive traffic a much shorter time on a green light, so allowing the much larger London Road lot to go through in bigger chunks. 
This timing won’t give traffic trying to jump the queue by using the rat run any advantage, so hopefully those motorists will give up that route and stay on London Road.
This should also apply to the Roundway village/ Folly Lane rat run.
So, I’m convinced it’s a good idea. While I’m writing, can I put in a good word regarding the experts who have to think up these schemes and get nothing but abuse for their pains. Well done, Mr Whitehead and roll on 2018.
JOHN GOODMAN
London Road
Devizes