I cannot believe the blinkered views some readers hold on the issue of petrol prices (Opinion, July 12).

So increasing petrol prices beyond the reach of most motorists will force us all onto buses?

Even if buses were free, they would not be an option for me. I simply cannot transport a week's shopping for six and two very young children, from the supermarket to home by bus, unless it tows a couple of trolleys behind it and stops outside my front door.

Nor can I drop one daughter to school at 9am, two others to family and get myself to work on time using a bus. This manoeuvre would involve a long walk with three small children, two buses and lengthy waits at bus stops, all completed within 45 minutes!

My husband would not be able to make the 30 mile journey to his work on public transport within any realms of practicability, nor would my dad get to work, about the same distance away, for a 7.30am start.

If some people can manage without a car, fine, but they should quit hassling those who use a car out of pure necessity.

We will soon have the situation where owning a car is just for the rich; the very people who can afford public transport and taxis!

Those with families, the elderly and the disabled will suffer.

And how dare he suggest the elderly should not be driving! His arrogance leaves me speechless.

Petrol prices can continue to rise, but we will have no alternative but to keep driving. Instead, I'll have to cut down on many other things, even food, before we give up our cars. Despite the cost of driving, there is not, and probably never will be, a workable alternative.

-Mrs C. Felix, Lenham Avenue, Saltdean