LIKE many local residents, we were caught up in the deteriorating weather on Thursday, as we tried to get home.

We commented on the exemplary standard of driving around us. Almost without exception, road users were courteous and careful. Many helped each other in getting their vehicles uphill as the roads quickly became treacherous.

Fast forward to Saturday and we joined the throngs heading to Castlepoint, as our cupboards were bare. It was disappointing to see the 'me first' attitude was back with a vengeance. The steely determination not to give way to man nor beast was etched in their every frown line. Whether behind the wheel of a car or pushing a trolley, staring straight ahead and avoiding all eye contact, they barged onwards leaving bemused, considerate mortals in their wake.

Of interest, having survived exiting the congested car park, traffic flowed freely away as the lights at the western end of the complex were out. Courtesy and common sense were back in evidence as road users successfully used the junction as a roundabout and there were no queues or hold-ups.

If Bournemouth council can bring themselves to accept that the town's pollution levels are as bad as recorded, maybe we have a solution? Simply switch off all the unnecessary sets of lights. The traffic will flow freely and cyclists and pedestrians can breathe cleaner air on their travels, too. Seems like a win-win situation to me.

D. Dowsett

Capstone Road, Bournemouth