I WAS interested to read in your article "Rat-run plan row" (February 9) that the price to use the proposed intelligent bollard for residents living in the Straylands Grove Estate would be £20 every three years.

This amount to transform their estate into a peaceful no-go area for the other residents of Heworth and Heworth Without is a terrific bargain, and contrasts with the price to the rest of us.

A quick calculation suggests that for my household, foolishly located at the wrong side of Stockton Lane in Galtres Avenue, yet using shopping, educational and recreational facilities in Huntington and Monks Cross, the cost will be somewhat higher.

As a household, we use Straylands on average for 15 return trips per week. As it is a mile further to travel via Hopgrove Lane or the roundabout at the end of Stockton Lane, this equals 30 extra miles, or 4 litres of additional fuel, or approximately £3.20 per week.

Assuming we can still afford two weeks holiday, a year will cost £160, or £480 for three years. So quick, get your £20 passes - they are an absolute bargain.

As for the detrimental effects on the environment, fuel reserves and global warming, the supermarket slogan "every little helps" must have been adopted by City of York Council.

Mr D Pennock,

Galtres Avenue,

Stockton Lane, York.

Updated: 10:30 Tuesday, February 15, 2005