THE New Oxford Dictionary defines the word 'merge' as 'join or blend gradually' but then not many people read the dictionary, or so it seems.I am, of course, referring to the over-stated merging system on the southern approach to the notorious bascule bridge.

THE New Oxford Dictionary defines the word 'merge' as 'join or blend gradually' but then not many people read the dictionary, or so it seems.

I am, of course, referring to the over-stated merging system on the southern approach to the notorious bascule bridge.

I am sitting patiently in the nearside lane debating whether to turn the engine off and open the flask, when suddenly from behind, and in the offside lane, appears something akin to an entrant at Silverstone. He shoots down the offside lane taking no notice of the overhead red light then bullies himself into the nearside lane and nonchalantly crosses the bridge.

Is he breaking the law?

He hasn't read the dictionary - he doesn't have to does he? I don't think any signs or road markings will have the necessary needed effect. There are only two answers as far as I can see: being two lanes over the bridge both ways. Three feet could be taken off both footways to help enable the fourth lane to be implemented. The bridge would of course have to be strengthened to compensate for the extra weight and the traffic lights on the Station Square would have to be readjusted.

JOHN CLARKE

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