Cars have improved most people’s lives

SO my colleague Terry Hudson should “get out more” (We Should Leave The Car At Home For Some Journeys, Your Thoughts, Kentish Gazette, February 7)?

He and I both do actually – largely by car. There is very much a war on motorists being waged unremittingly – the reason the Association of British Drivers exists.

All the usual tirades against speed and car use came out in two letters last week.

Yes, we know car use comes with responsibility and we need to promote good driving.

If many cyclists and pedestrians were as careful and considerate as drivers need to be, a lot less of them would get hurt.

As for Cllr Bill Oakey, there is at least one thing we agree on: the need for better education and training for all road users, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. However, he is wrong in thinking that forever bringing down speed makes for safer roads. Where does that end, anyway – is he volunteering to run in front of me waving a red flag?

Regarding reducing car use to improve the urban environment, my environment is improved by my ability to move with my own transport thank you.

Every invention has its downsides as well as upsides – I suggest that on balance the car has improved most people’s life quality.

In just about every town and city there is less road space than say 20 years ago – due largely to deliberate measures taken in the form of bus lanes, cycle lanes and pedestrianisation. Those are themselves one cause of congestion. Those who claim to want more transport choice, and the car is the first choice of around 85% of journeys, can offer real new alternatives; only a regression to cycle, bus or train – all old 19th and first half of 20th century modes that can only operate well enough to be alternatives with the aid of massive public subsidy.

Some people could walk a bit more for some very short trips, but that is really up to them, not others, to decide. Ian Taylor Alliance of British Drivers (Kent), Castlemount Road, Dover