SIR – In your editorial (February 15) on parking charges, you imply there is no apparent problem, when in fact Bradford suffers from severe congestion, air pollution and high road casualties.
Higher parking charges will encourage some people to switch to car sharing, public transport or walking and cycling.
Most of the congestion is commuter-related and charges should favour shoppers over commuters and it is vital to get the balance right.
People can commute by bus for around £2 per day using season tickets, and appropriate parking charges can encourage the choice to commute by bus. Buses and trains can bring in huge numbers of shoppers without exacerbating congestion and people will enjoy shopping more if there is less traffic about.
Bradford also needs a bus-based ‘park and ride’ scheme to help reduce congestion so that all road users can benefit from time savings and reduced costs.
Many people will continue to need to use cars, but it is important that they do not encounter the serious congestion faced at present.
The aim should not be to overcharge people, but simply to charge just enough to keep traffic flowing freely. Many cities already do this and Bradford should do likewise.
Ray Wilkes, Tower Road, Bradford
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