Getting traffic to take a turn for the better

In reviewing your 2006 wish list (editorial, Jan. 1), it is sad that any long-term solutions to L.A.’s paralyzing traffic problems are missing.

The only references on your list to alleviate the daily misery that many commuters endure are your wishes for left-only turn signals on major thoroughfares and extending the Green Line to LAX. Both proposals may be effective in the short run, but they are certainly not visionary. Are solutions to L.A.’s traffic nightmare beyond even your dreams? Is an NFL team for L.A. and the recognition of hip-hop artists by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame the stuff dreams are made of? Have your writers, our leaders, the city planners and the long-suffering citizens given up hope of ever controlling motorway madness?

JEAN JOLIN

Westlake Village

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Among the items in your New Year’s Day editorial was a proposal for more left-only turn signals on major thoroughfares in Los Angeles. Shortly after moving to the Westside several years ago, I wrote to my city council member on this very subject.

In response I received a suggestion that I should provide the city with a list of intersections where this was needed. Maybe The Times will have better luck.

Other area cities have no trouble appropriately controlling busy intersections without citizens’ suggestions. L.A. seems to prefer to save a few bucks here and there by not providing left-turn signals everywhere they are needed.

ARNOLD LESTER

Brentwood