Is park-and-ride on Brighton's urban fringe - which is destroying homes and open spaces in its wake - vital to combat congestion, boost trade and the city's future, as is claimed (The Argus, May 27)?

Too many cars entering the city and getting stuck in traffic jams would not improve trade or the flow of buses.

Notably, Oxford saw an increase in traffic on its perimeter roads when park-and-ride schemes were introduced there. If people know they can park, they may be encouraged to drive instead of using public transport door-to-door.

Concerned traders, as quoted on Living Streets, the online campaign forum for cleaner streets, may be reassured that "people who walk into town centres spend at least £27 more per week than those who travel by car, bus, train or tube. Walking is not only good for your health, it is good for local business".

But questioned about climate change on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Sir David King, the Government's chief scientific adviser, said a cultural change was needed because motoring contributes to a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions and each person produces nine tons of CO2 per year.

This cultural change might encourage the respect, called for by the Prime Minister, towards each other and the planet.

Aided by massive investment in public transport - why not convert the recently closed Rover car factory to make railway equipment? - increasing buses to outlying areas of the city would lessen the car's impact on our landscape and health and would avoid a damaging park-and-ride scheme in Patcham.

-Felicity Tanous, Brighton