Rarely have we received such universal support for a campaign as we have for Put the Lights Out.

People from across this area, from all walks of life and of all ages have sent messages backing our stand on traffic lights.

Amongst them was the councillor in charge of transport issues for Bristol, Jon Rogers. In fact, he was one of the first to get in touch.

Whether they are motorists, lorry drivers, bikers or cyclists they all agree we have too many traffic lights and that these lights cause congestion, lead to frustration and add to pollution.

In a sense the experiment at Portishead's Cabstand junction represents the first breach in the dam.

The sceptics who predicted traffic chaos, lost tempers and crashes have been proved wrong.

What has emerged is an example of how given the chance people can work things out together showing courtesy for each other and an appreciation of the need to behave sensibly.

In short it has shown that people can be trusted.

So what needs to happen?

First Dr Rogers needs to order his civil servants at the council's transport department to start some trials in Bristol similar to the one in Portishead.

They will resist it because they are the ones who recommended that the lights be put up in the first place.

But he must stand up to them.

Because he has the weight of public, scientific and professional opinion behind him.

Then when they see the evidence he can order them to start switching off some of these lights – for good.