IF Coun Andy D'Agorne is worried about the 40 per cent of traffic passing through York city centre each day why does he propose closing more roads during the middle of the day?

This would encourage people to drive to work, but not to come and shop.

The greatest impact from traffic passing through the centre occurs during the rush hours when it causes considerable congestion. Traffic at other times allows people to shop and businesses to work, which is of benefit to the city and surrounding area.

He then recognises that parking close to businesses would be a progressive step to increasing city centre trade.

We only have to look to the success of out-of-town shopping and market towns to see that this is the case, so how would closing more streets help achieve this?

Perhaps Coun D'Agorne believes people are driving through York for fun, or enjoy polluting? They do not.

They are driving because they work, need to shop, visit the infirm, or collect children.

Until there is a suitable alternative, a better northern by-pass, buses going where people need them to go, will Coun D'Agorne kindly eat at home alone and stop patronising the rest of us with his facile diatribes?

Tom Allen,

Moorgate,

Holgate,

York.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, November 24, 2005