It's been patently obvious for the last couple of years a major traffic meltdown was looming – now exacerbated by the sudden huge influx of people coming here, especially those fleeing Auckland. Tauranga's population is up 10 per cent and our traffic volumes by at least that figure, probably more. Existing infrastructure simply cannot cope nor can it be made to cope in the short term – there can be no immediate relief and things will just get far worse and may well just keep going south. If you believe local and national politicians, city planners and the New Zealand transport Agency then sorry you are easily duped as they are just intent on blindsiding the public. Bayfair roundabout is a prime example when about 10 years ago it was suggested that traffic lights be installed for little cost NZTA pooh poohed that notion by claiming the Te Maunga/Bayfair flyovers were imminent. Well folks that's still at least a couple of years away and in the meantime Bayfair location has become intolerable. Current proposals to ease traffic congestion are ludicrous. In 2006 the ‘powers that be' should have listened by selecting Matapihi Rd and installing another low level harbour crossing at Matapihi Railbridge upgrading the railbridge and incorporating the sewer pipeline while at the same time saving $21 million on the pipeline harbour crossing. Incidentally I was in the middle of the traffic mayhem last Thursday when Hewletts Rd, Aerodrome Rd, Jean Batten Place, Newton Rd and Totara St etc. etc. were all gridlocked for more than an hour for what was a relatively minor traffic accident. The solution is stop developing subdivisions and issuing building consents until the infrastructure mess is sorted out. Incidentally, it follows if houses are not being built there will be nowhere to live so people won't come here. Stop putting faith in those that have caused our problems and now say they have the answers. Yeah Right!

R Paterson, Matapihi.