Fresh air and a win for all

Sir, – Craig Smith (The Courier, October 1) writes with lukewarm support for pedestrianisation in St Andrews but his column lacks in ambition.

The world’s top international scientists have reported that urgent action is required to halt the inexorable rise in global temperatures below a further 1.5C

Transport provides the easiest means of reducing our emissions by replacing motor vehicle journeys with sustainable transport.

Craig Smith compares St Andrews to Kirkcaldy and whilst I love that city, where my mother grew up, it has neither the university nor the tourist attractions which ensure that St Andrews will

always be busy. Car free streets are a delight for people to walk and cycle on and there are already shops and cafés in Market Street open in the evening.

He suggests there be something for people to do in the street at quiet times. Not everyone might appreciate the resulting noise and litter.

However he makes a useful point in relation to an occasional street market – returning the street to its original purpose.

There are many questions to be answered, in relation to parking, bus services and disabled access and a feasibility study is under way.

In the long run, pedestrianisation – and a shift of transport mode from car to walking and cycling – is a solution which will benefit everyone. Tony Waterston. Chairman, St Andrews Space for Cycling, Tom Morris Drive, St Andrews.