PAUL Atherton (Letters, June 16) suggested that footbridges over and tunnels under our roads would be more sensible and infinitely preferable to anti-speed bumps and other traffic-calming measures.

As most of the roads in Darwen have houses on both sides and are too narrow for such proposed assault courses, I will dismiss this frightful idea out of hand.

Mr Atherton also said that the motor car is the most efficient means of getting from A to B. This, quite simply, is not true. The internal combustion engine is grossly inefficient in terms of its energy input/output ratio.

He also accused me of being a car hater and councillors of being self-righteous and arrogant.

Not content with that, he informs us that if we did not have millions of cars, we would end up with a mountain of horse manure to contend with. But what's wrong with horse manure? Think of all the lovely rhubarb we could grow.

The car can be a godsend for many people, but it must remain our servant and not dominate our lives and ruin the environment.

I understand the need for vehicles for long-distance travel, but many drivers consider that anything over 10 minutes' walk away is too far to go without a car.

If, as I fear, we get more and more cars on our roads, I will then consider claiming compensation for the detrimental effects of passive driving.

RAYMOND NICHOLSON, View Road, Darwen.

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