We could run circles around traffic jams

The failure of the traffic light computer in Montgomery County ["Humming along with technology, until it's not," front page, Nov. 5] calls attention to how much time, even under ordinary circumstances, American drivers waste while waiting for traffic lights to turn green. I am struck by how the substitution of the British system of traffic circles could provide a better -- and greener -- solution, eliminating this waste of time and gas, while saving electricity and human lives as well.

Britain's roundabouts come in all sizes, from barely perceptible circles at street crossings in small towns to enormous ones governing traffic patterns at highway exits. Typically, a roundabout consists of a grass-covered mound around which two lanes of traffic rotate. Traffic abides by one simple rule: Vehicles preparing to enter a circle must yield the right of way to those already in the circle. It is seldom necessary to wait more than a few seconds to enter a traffic circle, and it is rare that traffic is stopped or even slowed beyond comfortable travel speed in the circle itself.

You can't "run" a traffic circle like you can a red light, and head-on collisions are nearly impossible. Accidents are rare and largely limited to sideswipes and fender benders. Most circles require no lights, hence power failures are not a problem. They require no computers, wiring or maintenance, saving municipal budgets the cost of staff and electricity. Finally, drivers do not waste time and fuel needlessly.

Mitzi Schroeder, Germantown