On the subject of the newly engineered exit from the A1(M) at Letchworth Gate, Kevin Smith (last week s letters) is spot on. I m a driving instructor, a DSA registered fleet driver trainer and also teach advanced driving and motorcycling. I have never see

On the subject of the newly engineered exit from the A1(M) at Letchworth Gate, Kevin Smith (last week's letters) is spot on.

I'm a driving instructor, a DSA registered fleet driver trainer and also teach advanced driving and motorcycling. I have never seen such a badly engineered junction in the UK. The new lane markings on the approach will only serve to confuse the average motorist. Having been assaulted by all this confusion, the likelihood of missing the 40 mph speed limit sign (cleverly placed half way round the bend on the slip road) is fairly high.

Then we have the ridiculous angle of entry. Let's assume that traffic exiting the roundabout towards Letchworth is travelling at a 'non-nickable' speed of 45 mph. Let's also assume that traffic density is high enough to require us to stop at the junction to enter Letchworth Gate. We now have to enter the junction with traffic approaching us in our blind spot at high speed. (If you happen to be a foreign driver in a left hand drive lorry, you'll have to put your faith in the Almighty, because you'll be completely blind!) Likewise, the motorcyclist has no chance.

We know that rear end shunts are most common cause of accidents at junctions. Why do they happen? Because drivers are looking for the gap in the traffic and assume the vehicle in front has gone when they make the decision to proceed. What they're not doing is looking where they're going when they drive off. What has the Highways Agency just guaranteed? Lots and lots of rear end shunts. (I pass the junction several times a day and can confirm that this is the case). They have turned a difficult junction into a dangerous one. How much has been spent on this moronic scheme and why is the Government funding it?

I recently taught a young man to drive (he passed first time) who worked for the county council highways department. What was his job? Drawing road improvement schemes. To give a non-driver such a job is a complete no-brainer. Perhaps the Highways Agency has gone one better? Was this scheme designed by a visually impaired engineer? It seems like it to me!

Tony Clarke, A1 Driver and Rider Training, Bush Spring, Baldock