Letter: Verging on the safe

Sir: The obstruction of public footpaths and bridleways by four-lane highways, too dangerous to cross, is all too common (report, 28 September).

However, the situation could be greatly improved in many cases if the responsible highways department were to use roadside verges to divert rights of way to the nearest safe crossing point.

If all new roads were to incorporate public bridleways along their verges, with fencing, the interests of walkers, cyclists and horse-riders would be protected at relatively low cost, provided that safe crossing points were constructed at reasonable intervals.

Yours faithfully,

ANDREW MEIKLEJOHN

Whitstable, Kent

28 September