The response from the gentleman from Fulford Park (Letters, April22) referring to motorists being treated as “cash cows” rejects sympathy for them for their high contribution to the Government tax collectors.

Stating the fact that there is a large imbalance of taxing between cyclists and motorists, which cannot be denied, does not imply sympathy for the latter.

The reference to extra demands on the NHS due to the activities of the motoring fraternity can be applied to many lifestyles, which do not need mentioning in this context.

Delving into the effects on this country of motoring should surely include the astronomical development of industry in all its forms, from which developed road transport and the resultant extensive road network.

All of this created many thousands of jobs, some well paid, for all types of skills. This has reduced the cost of motoring in comparison, as usually happens as the volume increases.

This expansion of industry and the many more vehicles on the road have provided a large pot of tax money for the Chancellor.

Much of the increased cost of the alternative transport of buses and railways is due to many of the same taxes being applied as to the ordinary motorist, in the form of fuel taxes and others.

“The looming catastrophe of climate change” is a tenuous connection to the present discussion.

In fact, attempts to stall or prevent climate change would most likely need the facilities of road transport and other pollution exhaling vehicles, perhaps towards building “green” energy provision.

J Beisly, Osprey Close, York.