David Hughes criticises Bernard King’s attitude towards rat runs (‘We are choking ourselves’, Opinion, May 28, 2014), but more would be created by road closures, which he advocates It could be argued that ‘rat run’ is a misnomer because it is simply traffic finding am alternative route to reach a destination, which all motorists do.

Spending £110million on Mini-Holland plans to get people to leave their cars at home is doomed to failure because the car is an essential part of family life. If you have a car, you will use it to provde safe, comfortable door-to-door travel. Who would give that up for a bike?

Mr Hughes’ concern for residents’ lifestyle is misplaced. His view of empty streets full of social activities is of the past.

We live in the age of the car. Everybody wants and owns a car. It is the centre of attraction and I doubt they are much concerned with street parties.

I do not recognise Mr Hughes’ description of residential life. Mitchell Road is little changed over the years except residents have replaced others and they all own a car. We still talk to each other and offer help.

Children play in the road and walk to school. We are all concerned about air pollution caused by traffic exhausts. This is made worse by traffic congestion. We need more road capacity to allow free running traffic and elimination of bottle necks. The junction at Green Lanes and the A406 cries out for an underpass, which was rejected some years ago.

Electric trolley buses, trams, cheap electric cars and restricted use of diesel fuel are ways to reduce air pollution if the will is there. Mr Hughes is obsessed with driver-only cars, but he doesn’t know who they are or where they are going and banning them from the road is a non-starter.

GA Musey

Mitchell Road, Palmers Green