Further to Councillor Bob Cook's reply to my letter regarding the proposed traffic lights at Portrack roundabout, unfortunately he did not address my main cause of concern - that is the lights causing traffic to back up onto the A19 flyover during peak periods.

Can assurances be given that the proposed alterations will not cause such a problem?

Unfortunately recent alterations to major road junctions do not inspire confidence for such an outcome, with the junction of Church Road/Portrack Lane being an example of poor design.

The lack of slip roads and poor timing/sequencing of traffic lights results in traffic being held up, even when there are no vehicles or pedestrians to be seen.

I find it amazing that despite the use of powerful computer design software and sophisticated road sensor/traffic control systems, engineers seem to find it almost impossible to design a major road junction that allows traffic to flow effectively and without undue delay.

BOB HUTCHINSON, Middlesbrough