I write in response to your leading article of Monday, November 6 Congestion in Swindon.

Like those other shoppers interviewed for the article, I ventured into Swindon town centre on Saturday morning and was absolutely disgusted with the traffic situation. After trying unsuccessfully to park in four of the main car parks, I eventually found a space, but I had already wasted the best part of an hour.

I must admit I found the comments from the Borough Council spokes-person amusing, though "The situation is worsened by the current roadworks... and by the bus lanes".

Who agrees to the scheduling of roadworks? SBC! Whose transport plan sets out the provision of bus lanes? SBC!! "Please use the park and ride schemes," they ask. I would like to think that I am not alone when I say that I don't particularly enjoy the experience of Christmas shopping.

I like to go to town, have my car close by so that I can take regular trips back to it so that I don't have to fight my way around town with numerous bags of presents in hand and when I have finished don't have to figure out how I am going to take all my shopping on to crowded bus.

Park and ride is a great idea if you work in town and only have to take a briefcase etc with you, but for shopping, I think not.

What most people want is plenty of town centre parking, reasonably priced and with good access and exit. Come on Swindon Council you've published your transport policy for the future, start thinking about the people who will be using the town and what they want.

Some of your ideas are excellent, for example moving the train and bus stations into the heart of the town, but like them or not, cars are going to be around for a very long time and you need to plan for them as well.

For people in the villages surrounding Swindon, it is often easier to go to one of the alternative centres. Do something to attract them, don't "drive" them away!

Anthony Ball

Barrington Rd,

Watchfield, near Swindon.