I SHOULD like to share my near-death experiences with sceptics. I have these frequently. I take it as self-evident that when we “cross over” there is something on the other side which, in our hearts, we all hope to reach.

That’s the root of my trouble. Whenever the green man shows, I like to be first across, or “walk”, as the Americans say. Not all crossings are equally productive of life-critical moments, so I think the council should publish a good crossing guide to highlight the most exciting.

I would guess that the junction at Museum Street/St Leonard’s Place deserves five-star rating. If I have a rendezvous with death at some disputed crossing, this will be it.

William Dixon Smith, Welland Rise, Acomb, York.