DOES City of York Council imagine that by asking residents whether they want congestion charges it would solve the city’s traffic problem?

Instead, why not take a leaf out of city of Leeds traffic solving idea and completely pedestrianise the city centre. It works very well, and not a car in sight.

I’m sure with a bit of ingenuity this could work in York too, and would make a wonderful traffic-free zone, Let’s face it, York is a complete nightmare to drive through; goodness knows how visitors cope with it.

Obviously the Park&Ride scheme has been a success, but many double-decker buses still go through the city centre. Surely this was not the original idea when Park&Ride as originated?

So where do we go from here? There has been nothing tried that has made a difference; the traffic congestion is still here, and the dream of a traffic-free city is not happening, and that is very sad for this lovely, historic place. So, for once, can we see some constructive use of taxpayers’ money and get the traffic problem sorted?

J Crombie, Strensall Road, York.

• Regarding the suggestion that the council may consider congestion charging for motor vehicles, it seems that correspondence has turned into a motorist versus cyclists/pedestrians issue.

I hope the authorities will consider the bigger picture. I am not necessarily against charging. However, I do not believe the city has the right infrastructure to support such a project.

Because of its geographical location, our city has for decades had poor air quality even when traffic levels were one quarter of those of today. City centre charging would drive more vehicles onto the southern and northern ring roads (a road not fit for purpose from day one), creating greater pollution levels. The various councils’ enthusiasm for barricading public roads and the creation of 24-hour bus-only lanes, even when there are no buses, has directly contributed to higher traffic congestion.

The continuing planning approval for homes and business premises within the central areas, all with parking/garage space, together with poor provision of public transport, encourages even more vehicle use.

It seems to me rather than congestion charging, which only appears to reduce traffic levels in the short term, York would lend itself to far greater pedestrianisation.

Banning all vehicles from our medieval city centre (including taxis) would bring both financial rewards and quality of life benefits, which it seems to me would be a fraction of the cost of installing a charging system, with the ongoing running costs.

J P Redfearn, Southolme Drive, York.