DR Scott Marmion gave us his views (Letters, June 17) on local housing policy and linked it to immigration levels and road investment.

Local authorities are required to comply with the guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework in determining (eventually in York’s case) their respective Local Development Frameworks, and associated Local Transport Plans.

There are no national legal powers available to restrict new housing sales in the manner that he suggested.

In transport terms, York is not unique in facing challenges, as residents decide when and how they will move around the city.

It is, however, an unfortunate fact that no city can build its way out of traffic congestion.

We all know, though few willingly accept, that building new roads is self-defeating because it eventually encourages yet more car use.

York inherited the A1237 but cannot afford any upgrades to it. We are wholly dependant upon regional funding from the LEP, and West Yorkshire Transport Fund, plus any national funding that may become available.

The answer is perhaps for urban dwellers to make lifestyle decisions about where to live, which minimise car dependency.

Also to make reasoned travel choices about each of their journeys, rather than instinctively jumping into the car every time and expecting the council to give them unobstructed roads.

The car is a good servant, but it must not become a bad master.

Paul Hepworth, Windmill Rise, Holgate, York