Sir - I'm sorry that Stephanie Jenkins (Letters, October 12) finds pedestrians in New Inn Hall Street irresponsible.

The reasons that so many of us are often found in the carriageway are really quite simple. This is the only thoroughfare between Westgate and Gloucester Green and as such carries a huge volume of pedestrian and cycle traffic most of the day. Motor vehicles on the other hand, are relatively few and far between.

The pavements narrow to around four feet for much of the road's length making passing and overtaking groups of walkers and families - yes, many "with toddlers in tow" - very difficult without stepping on to the road. Parked vehicles along the east side make that impossible so most pedestrians use the west pavement wherever and whenever they can.

Cyclists, however, have the freedom to negotiate their own route along the entire width of the carriageway and by and large the road works as a shared space. Maybe if the pavements were removed entirely in New Inn Hall Street, everyone would need to take more care?

Dave Headey, Faringdon