YOUR articles (January 14, 16 and 21) describe a trial scheme to run Stagecoach buses down a residential Lincoln road – Portland Street – so that they are not caught up in the traffic at the level crossing barriers at the top of High Street.

This street is heavily used by traffic and is already a nightmare to cross at any point of the day due to irresponsible driving and the parking of vehicles, which sometimes make it impossible to see either way for oncoming traffic.

Last week, I was crossing the road at the top of Portland Street at the Co-op funeral home shop at 1.02pm.

There was a number 14 bus parked indicating to the right. It was parked on the right side of the road, dropping off passengers.

I crossed the road and was narrowly missed by this bus, which failed to check for oncoming traffic; failed to indicate to suggest it was moving; was still indicating to the right when moving; and also moved off with its passenger doors still open.

Is this how the drivers normally operate?

This is a clear indication that this scheme will soon cost Lincoln the life of one of its residents.

Twenty-two buses an hour is giving more than 260 opportunities for someone to be killed, according to my calculations over a 12-hour period).

I must also ask about the residential area and the nursery located on Portland Street. Given that OAPs and a nursery are located in the area, are there sufficient traffic calming or crossing options down this street?

Just what planning was done to approve this scheme? It must be stopped now.

If an accident occurs, the local council and Stagecoach will be held responsible. They are making this area unsafe.

JONATHAN SPURR Lincoln.

I support the re-routing of buses via Portland Street in Lincoln.

I have made at least half a dozen return journeys over the past week or so on Stagecoach's Number 44 buses.

Each time, it has been such a relief to arrive at Lincoln Bus Station on time, or early, for my connecting bus to the County Hospital.

Each of the buses has had momentary delays at the High Street and Pelham Bridge turnings. The journey down Portland Street, at least, proves how courteous car drivers can be when a bus is coming towards them.

The return journey just goes to indicate the delays that can be caused by the railway level crossings. Fortunately, there has been no undue delay so far when travelling down St Mary's Street and turning onto the High Street.

Another problem level crossing is on Doddington Road. Traffic is invariably backed up from the crossing and well down Doddington Road between Tritton Road and Newark Road.

I am able to sit patiently on the bus waiting for the crossing to open (and close/re-open).. But I do understand why the return bus to Lincoln might well be late in picking up the waiting, inbound passengers.

The occupants of the houses on Portland Street do have my sympathy for any inconvenience this may cause them. Nonetheless, for me, Stagecoach's Portland Street trial is a great success.

I hope the route can be maintained after the trial.

Les Woods Doddington Road, Lincoln.