Sir — I am grateful to Peter Headicar for pointing out that everyone wins with road-space charging: drivers face fewer delays; those who prefer an alternative can see it funded; the environment is relieved of excessive emissions; and the economy is relieved of the ball and chain of congestion.

A private operator of any resource knows that its maximum utility coincides with optimal pricing. By making the road free at point of use, we are recovering minimal utility from it.

While it is true that taxation on road use is already high, it is also outrageous that road transport is not subject to market forces. Can you imagine a rail service where the same price is charged regardless of where and when you travel? I am also grateful to those who contributed letters last week proposing trams, highlighting the need for more light railways around (as well as within) Oxford and noting that there are too many buses in Oxford.

Bus air pollution is now insufferable and is doubtless responsible for much ill-health, from asthma to cancer. The handful of hybrid vehicles are never heard to run electric in the centre. Pedestrians and cyclists continue to feel and be threatened. Road-space charging is now the only way forward to fund a new light-rail system which the city clearly needs. One should also remember that, while such things are costly to construct, they can pay for themselves over a very long time. They can also be built over an extended period. Finally, we must invert the current prioritisation, which puts the car first, followed by the bus, bike and, last of all, the pedestrian.

Why does a pedestrian walking from the centre to the rail station have to cross eight lanes of heavy traffic at Frideswide Square? Why are there still no kerb-separated cycle lanes?

Dr Ian East, Islip