Since I often wave to the Sage of Sussex, Adam Trimingham, as we cycle in opposite directions around the town, I feel my green credentials are sufficiently well established to comment on his column moaning about the state of Government investment in public transport (Argus, July 13).

If we are going to entice people out of their cars, the alternatives have to be at least as comfortable and convenient as private vehicles and ideally faster.

We will not persuade large numbers of car drivers to give up the habit by hectoring, badgering, preaching or punitive charges.

Witness the squeals of pain about petrol breaking the £1 a litre barrier but still no reduction in people putting it in their tanks.

This is one of the reasons why a new Park and Ride site on the outskirts of town should be given serious consideration.

Not only would it play a major part in helping to deliver eight million visitors a year into the town without their cars, but for many it would be an ideal introduction to public transport. It would help to change attitudes by persuasion not punishment. Let's see some carrots to balance the sticks.

-Tony Mernagh, Town centre manager