I am a resident of a suburb of Chicago in the US. My wife is originally from Hove and we had an opportunity to visit recently.

I had a chance to drive a bit and was impressed by the differences between UK and US traffic and the laws that attempt to control it.

The goal of all traffic laws should be to keep driving as safe as possible, not to entrap motorists.

In the US, traffic laws and policies are largely a local issue. Every town has its own laws in addition to the state laws.

Speed traps are common and are obviously not intended to protect the public but to entrap unwary visitors and enrich town coffers.

Additionally, the speed limits change in unexpected and capricious ways as one proceeds along any route from town to town or even from block to block within a town.

I was recently required to attend a driving class because I got a traffic ticket.

I was appalled when the instructor told us the average driver commits nine ticketable offences for every mile he or she drives. Talk about ridiculous laws.

Virtually none of them are enforced but all are very convenient at the end of the month when each policeman has to fulfil his quota of tickets.

A piece of cake for the officer. Infuriating to the victim. And much more infuriating to constantly experience the anarchy that exists because no truly effective enforcement of valid laws exists.

I much preferred the simple speed regulations in the UK. It is so nice not to have to constantly watch for speed limit signs.

Attention is better used watching the traffic and well-marked cameras certainly seem to be an effective means to coerce motorists to drive responsibly.

On another note, the overall courtesy practised by both drivers and pedestrians is refreshing to behold - just one of many things I loved about the UK.

I wish we could afford to visit again.

-Dennis McGrath, Berwyn, Illinois, US