HOW nice it is to see an area of the road which can serve more than one purpose.

My regular commute takes me along Bournemouth Road.

There is a space between the main carriageway and the pavement which is used for so many things.

It offers accommodation to an impressive number of surface irregularities: n a useful place to keep sharp detritus and wheel trims etc; an overnight parking area for commercial vehicles n a space into which a parked motorist (especially in the convenience store lay-by) may open his/her door without any worry of hitting a passing car n a passing space when a vehicle is waiting to turn right – obviously the motorist is under no obligation to check mirrors.

This list is in no way exhaustive. If you ride, you may also find this area useful for cycling...be prepared for a white-knuckle experience though.

DAVE PITTWOOD, Oxford Avenue, Bournemouth