Other roads will now pay the price for tram and bus gates

It is a straight road most of the way and traffic has access to the whole of this route with the exception of about 25 yards,i.e. across the traffic lights at Hillsborough corner.

Traffic is allowed on the main road on both sides of this junction, but in order to cross this 25 yard gap, traffic is directed along two minor side roads, then along a main road to cross the traffic lights at right angles, down to a traffic island, round the island and back to the lights where is allowed to turn left, arriving 25 yards away from where it started, but having travelled .53 of a mile to get there.

The authorities say that the gates are there to allow a free run for the tram; RUBBISH. All they do is waste petrol, affect the trade of the shops at Hillsborough, break up the road surface on the narrow 'rat runs' and cause traffic jams.

To say that the gates allow free run for the tram insults our intelligence, the traffic is still there at either side of the junction.

Until recently, the authorities saw what a farce it was and turned a blind eye to traffic crossing this junction, now however they have put up notices stating their intention of enforcing this rule.

There is no logic behind this idea, and the only possible reason for it is to raise money by way of the 60 fine. It really is about time that someone saw common sense and removed this 'toll gate' once and for all.

R Burkinshaw, Haggstones Road, Worrall

I read with interest your article (Aug 23) which said that 84.000 has already been generated in fines for ignoring the tram and bus gates at Hillsborough corner.

The council (in their wisdom) plan to spend this money to fund more cameras for bus lanes.

I would advise them that they ought to spend it on the repair of the roads around Hillsborough that are now forced to carry heavy traffic.

For instance, Taplin Road, Hillsborough Road and Hillsborough Place. These are in a very bad state. Down to the original cobbles in parts.

V Johnson, Dykes Hall Road, Hillsborough

Nadeem’s letter did have one pertinant fact in it; since the 83/88 services have begun, the First services are empty. Why is that?

Could be the more realistic fares, the nicer more responsive drivers or the fact that they provide a punctual service ; all three things First have long forgotten about.

Nadeem’s welcome to wait for a First bus, more room on Stagecoach for the rest of us...we'll give you a wave as we pass you by at the bus stop.

Mick Ibbotson, Piper Close, Sheffield