This is a tough competition. We have recently taken to shopping and enjoying a coffee in and around Hove more than usual.

This is because we can park right outside the shops.

We can park all over the area of Hove and the seafront for 10p for 30 minutes or 50p for an hour or we can pay £1.20 for a single or £2.40 for an all-day ticket on the buses.

Multiply this by two or even three adults and, as usual, the car wins.

So, on the one hand the Government tells us to use public transport instead of our cars and, on the other, Brighton and Hove City Council introduces very cheap on-street parking.

Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about the state or efficiency of the bus service, I am merely pointing out that the relationship between the cost of using the public transport and the car is not a happy one.

I am sure every family will agree the car wins again and will continue to win until this relationship is narrowed.

-N Harwood, Brighton