CLLR Ian Gillies avowed the continued support of York’s Conservative Party to secure funds for the dualling of the A1237 (Letters, November 23).

He also supported the Chancellor’s funding to address “pinch points” on the highway network.

York was awarded £1.93 million from the Government’s last “pinch point” fund to deal with the A19 Fulford interchange.

Small scale interventions like this will subliminally increase capacity, without unleashing a torrent of suppressed demand.

By contrast, dualling the A1237 would induce many more car journeys than today.

It would only take a few years until peak congestion returns to existing levels.

Hardly worth the estimated cost of £350 million plus, if that kind of money can ever be found from a tightly drawn public purse.

The phenomenon of “induced traffic” has long been accepted by transport planners and highway engineers, but not by many politicians who sadly wear short term electoral blinkers.

The fact is that no city can never cater for endless demand, by trying to build its way out of urban congestion.

By contrast, one wonders where many car journeys went, during Gillygate’s past closures for gas then sewer repairs. Perhaps many residents found alternative means of making some shorter journeys?

City of York Council is currently debating closer ties with West Yorkshire, to secure funding for A1237 roundabout capacity upgrades. Like the Fulford scheme, this will not generate additional journeys.

We might also get some useful underpasses for cycling and walking. Strensall to York in 20 minutes by bike maybe?

Paul Hepworth, Windmill Rise, Holgate, York