IN response to Kit Spackman’s letter titled Local Weather and published January 19.

I read with interest Kit’s letter as I have been a commuter to Bristol for 11 years and I first asked the question of Highways England two years ago as to why the eastbound side of the old M48 Severn bridge, travelling from Chepstow, was being closed to all vehicles when the wind was 40-60mph and prohibited traffic flow allowing cars and small vehicles only onto the bridge should be implemented.

At the same time on the westbound side travelling towards Chepstow prohibited traffic flow was still in operation, allowing small vehicles to cross the bridge.

When the eastbound carriageway is shut this means all traffic has to divert down the M4 to turn at Magor Services and, at rush hour, involves queueing for up to three miles.

I complained to my MP, Mark Harper, in February 2016 after Highways England informed me that closure of the eastbound side from Chepstow would be more common during high winds.

It was established that Highways England control the bridge but it appears that Traffic Wales, who look after the road on the Chepstow side, will not allow Highways England to operate until after 9.30am once the traffic flow has reduced, or in reality until all commuters are in a queue waiting further down the M48 to turn at Magor.

It is very unclear why this decision was made at the start of 2016.

Mark Harper wrote to Edwina Hart in the Welsh Government who denied it was anything to do with them and, to the best of my knowledge, the chairman of Highways England has never replied to Mark Harper.

I chased Mark several times last year, but regrettably I have heard nothing further.

I would welcome hearing from anyone who has a suggestion as to how this could be resolved and end many commuters’ headaches.

– Elizabeth Oliver, Coleford.