ICANNOT believe that anyone would want priority in Railway Road, Blackburn, to be given to traffic, as seems to be implied by Jim Golden (Letters, March 13).

This road is essentially the town's main bus terminus and should, in my view, be entirely geared towards pedestrians.

Only buses and taxis should be allowed access to the Boulevard. There is no need for private vehicles to be in the area -- through traffic should go on the orbital route.

Pedestrians should be able to safely saunter around the public transport interchange and the town centre should be a haven for pedestrians to saunter as much as they like.

The zebra crossing on Railway Road is essential, not just for the elderly and infirm, but also to the able-bodied, allowing them to access the public transport facilities.

A pelican crossing would be a retrograde step as this would give priority to traffic and encourage higher and more dangerous speeds.

Zebras encourage motorists to stop as requested and, despite one recent unfortunate and indefensible incident (LET, March 4), work excellently.

My own experience of this crossing is that motorists are generally considerate, particularly bus drivers, when they see a pedestrian waiting to cross.

It is clear that Mr Golden is not a town-centre retailer, or he would have realised that making Railway Road a racetrack will kill off many businesses, particular the small, independent retailers.

PAULINE VAUGHAN, Higher Church Street, Blackburn.