IT is not difficult to understand the problems surrounding the new A48 roundabout on the Lydney by-pass at the entrance to the new housing development.

The mound of earth, purpose unknown, situated between the roundabout and the railway line, strongly resembles from a distance the central mound found on many roundabouts in the UK. This undoubtedly causes confusion when approching the roundabout from either direction.

In addition, whose bright idea was it to offset the roundabout from the main carriageway to such an extent? Why do highways designers have to make such huge attempts to control motorists instead of allowing motorists to control themselves?

Due to the off-setting of the roundabout, vehicles travelling west towards Chepstow are deviated to the right to such an extent that, at night, their headlights are certain to point directly at oncoming traffic with a resulting dazzling effect. Can this be in any way considered safe?

I would therefore suggest that the Highways Authority return to the drawing board, remove the ludicrous earth mound and make plans to move the roundabout to a location in line with the main carriageway.

– W J Eatock, Yorkley.