I am driving down Boot Hill towards ‘Kamikaze’ junction with the intention of going straight over into Westwey Road. As I approach the junction I see that there are three lanes, two for traffic going straight across the junction and the third outside lane for traffic turning right. The inside lane is full of stationary vehicles, held at the traffic lights, but the middle lane is clear, so I proceed into this and stop at the white line. Directly ahead of me is a single traffic light showing red. As I sit waiting for the traffic light to change, I suddenly realise that the vehicles in the nearside lane have started to proceed, even though the traffic signal in front of me is still at red. While I puzzle over this, to the accompaniment of blaring horns behind me, the signal changes to green.

Even though it is directly in front of me – actually, slightly to my left – it is a right turn filter, applying only to the outside lane! Confusing? You bet! As locals, we will probably get used to this, but you wait until strangers start using the junction during the Olympics! Surely, there should be a second set of signals on this post, with an ‘ahead’ filter?

MIKE BOYCE, Old Hill, Portland