Regarding "air pollution 'a challenge'" (Standard, April 11), the article interested me as I have great sympathy for the residents of Market Hill, who have noticed a marked increase in traffic and subsequent pollution in the last few months.

The quotes from Maldon District Council and Defra would not fill me with any confidence if I lived there, as the tone was decidedly vague regarding the measures that could be taken to improve the situation.

As residents of Wantz Road, Maldon we frequently experience traffic queues at busy times, due to tailbacks from the High Street, also generating increased levels of air pollution, which is a concern especially as there are several schools in the vicinity.

I have wondered if any surveys have been conducted to measure the use of the ring road and bypass system around Maldon.

Has there been an increase over the years and if not, why not?

It is unusual to see queueing traffic on any of those routes.

I suggest a simple change of signage should be introduced at strategic points at the approaches into the town to clearly state "town centre only" or "through traffic" , where appropriate.

This would apply particularly to the access to the new Blackwater Trading Estate from the bypass and Heybridge Approach - right on route to their car park and also giving nearby access to Lidl and Tesco, and no need to queue on Market Hill.

Incidentally, the trading estate location would make an excellent base for a park and ride service to the High Street and Promenade Park.

I have no wish to see the shops and historical attractions of Maldon town centre be missed, but it is obvious that much of the traffic is passing through by what the drivers perceive is the quickest route.

Many times they are proved wrong, to the detriment of our ancient town and inhabitants.

Come on highways planners, my signs solution could be introduced in the near future, rather than theirs which requires months of consultations and committee forming, and is not even hopeful of a remedy in the long-term.

Elizabeth Willsher

Wantz Road, Maldon