To the editor:

I read in a recent edition of the Portsmouth Times that Portsmouth Town Council member Elizabeth Pedro suggested making all of East Main Road into one-lane traffic each way, the so-called "road diet.”

It's hard to believe that the Town Council would ever consider such a burdensome plan. Since I live on the corner of East Main Road, I can attest to the high volume of traffic on it, especially during commuter times and the tourist season. Such a plan would result in grid-locking traffic across the island. 

Those of us living on or near East Main would double the time we spend doing everything from daily errands to personal emergencies such as driving to a relative's home, a doctor's office, or to a child's school. As it stands already, there are traffic lights or plans for them for practically every intersection on this road.

East Main Road is a state highway. Would the Town Council petition the state to change the lanes by telling the state that they are representing the will of the people? Or would the council thoroughly canvas the residents to obtain everyone's opinion on this heavy-handed plan?

Vehicle accidents are a serious matter, but shouldn't be met with hysteria and knee-jerk reaction. As long as people drive carelessly there will always be accidents. As long as people drive under the influence there will always be accidents. As long as we live in a highly-populated, highly-trafficked area there will always be accidents.

Ellen Pratte

6 Randall Lane

Portsmouth