THE ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH DRIVERS

IN SCOTLAND

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Partial Closure of Union Street

The claim by Mr D Johnston (EE, December 2) that the complaints following the recent partial closure of Union Street are due to "a community of car junkies" is misplaced

I'd suggest the complaints mirror the effect of funnelling the same volume of traffic into a reduced road space.

Far from being a one-off event, the problems endured could become a permanent feature if Union Street is part-pedestrianised. Such events epitomise the pitfalls of mismanaging an existing road network and the residential or commercial developments around it.

For short journeys, cycling, walking and using the bus can be feasible alternatives.

Crucially, though, the selection of transport modes should be about freedom of choice. In this regard, cars are the epitome of freedom and flexibility in the busy modern world. Hauling shopping, children or work equipment around on the "alternatives" to cars simply isn't feasible for many - especially those who live out of town.

In contrast to motoring freedom, simplistic, oppressive anti-car ideology represents a counterproductive, backward step.

Simon Tonks

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