WHILE applauding the growing success of the Polar Express experience over the past years, with all it implies for raising the commercial profile of both Okehampton town and the potential of the railway link to Exeter and more, the issue of traffic congestion on Station Road at pre and post-running times needs to be urgently addressed. The problem is at its most acute at 'change-over' time — the car parks only have capacity for one train's passengers, resulting in gridlock when the first train is due in/unloading at the same time that the second train's passengers are arriving. No thought has been given to the incovenience of local residents (our house is at the top of Klondyke Road, above the youth hostel and car park) who may be trying to get home at the end of the day. It can easily take 15-20 minutes to get up Station Road — I was at a standstill for over 30 minutes on one occassion. The gate/parking stewards seem to have little idea of traffic management, and are, at best, unhelpful. The only viable 'one-way' alternative is via Parklands, a private road with a very poor, pot-holed surface. Could this be used (with extra, trained stewards) in conjunction with a diversion onto the A30 westbound via the 'emergency' on-slip from Tors Road, as utilised during Ten-Tors week-end? David and Mary King Okehampton