I was sorry but not surprised to read the bus lane scheme in Valley Gardens, Brighton, had claimed another life (The Argus, November 19).

Three years ago, following a fatality in the bus lane in Gloucester Place, I wrote to Brighton and Hove City Council's lead councillor for traffic to point out the need to identify and alleviate hazards caused by traffic management schemes.

I made specific mention of the danger caused by southbound buses leaving the contraflow bus lane by the War Memorial and turning right into Castle Square. However, apart from the installation of a few "look both ways" signs in the bus lane, nothing has been done since and the accidents continue.

They should not be blamed on the victims. The problem is the green man takes longer to appear than people are prepared to wait so they cross when the road appears to be clear. They are then struck by buses coming from unexpected directions.

If bus lanes were tramways, you would be able to cross at crossings but, when a tram approached, it would trigger red flashing lights and a warning sound like the level crossing warble. In a situation such as Castle Square, the tram would have to sound its bell and proceed at walking pace around the curve.

Applying the same principle to the bus lane, the traffic signals would be set to show the green man, with the change to red being activated by an approaching vehicle. Once the bus or taxi had passed, the green man would reappear. This is an accepted practice called the "rest on green setting". Traffic engineers know all about it but for some reason have not followed it through.

The remedy at Castle Square, however, is probably to get rid of the contraflow bus lane altogether.

All southbound buses would then use the bus lane on the east side of the road and run round past the Royal Albion Hotel. This would have the benefit for passengers that the stop for all buses going up North Street would be outside Marlborough House.

A further benefit would be that the space occupied by the contraflow bus lane could then be used to extend the adjacent garden.

How many more fatalities must there be before the problem is effectively dealt with?

-Henry Law, Brighton