I AM all for tackling gridlock, but it seems ludicrous to spend the huge amount of money suggested in the manner described (The Press, September 17).

Firstly, it is suggested that “expert commissioners” should be appointed to advise and these should come from academia, institutes and could include transport leaders from London.

Looking at how academia are treating York by taking over green-belt land and changing much of the housing in the east of the city to downmarket student lettings, I am far from sure that academia would be the right “partner” to advise York.

Having tried to navigate the North Circular Road, and having been crushed on the tube at rush hour, I would rule out any transport planner from London.

The obvious answer is to listen to the people of York. There have been many sensible solutions suggested on these very pages.

One of the greatest problems is getting from one side of the city to the other. Very few bus routes do this effectively and the northern bypass is unable to cope, so people try and cut through the city. Taxi drivers, ambulance drivers and the police all have their fingers on the pulse . Ask them, not some outsider who can spin a good theory.

Bob Redwood, Main Street, Askham Bryan, York.