SIR – Apropos the letter (T&A, May 8) from Pamela Smith re traffic lights “slats”, this system has been in general use nationally for some time and at times also at some types of pedestrian crossings (with a staggered island).

It has been found that, without the “slats” some drivers held up at red by the fairly close preceding traffic lights, move off when they see the traffic lights ahead turn green hence the “slats” to try to prevent this.

Those drivers at the “slatted” traffic lights should be able to see them, as obviously did the driver immediately behind Pamela Smith who tooted!

Paul Stephenson, Cliffe Gardens, Shipley