Roundabouts

* In an effort to reduce intersection accident rates, city planners are considering the usual fixes, including increased ticketing of violators, more left-turn lanes and longer traffic light intervals (April 29). Most of these suggestions ought to be considered DOA--we’ll never have enough police to make a dent in driving behavior, and longer intervals will only increase drivers’ incentives to speed through red lights.

It’s about time we gave serious consideration to English-style roundabouts at big intersections. All traffic moves in the same direction through roundabouts, so head-on collisions cannot occur. When traffic is light, cars can continue to move rather than standing and polluting the air at red lights. A roundabout can also be planted, adding a scenic touch to our streets. Come on, planners, show a bit more imagination.

PAUL BERGMAN

Los Angeles