Here we go again. Firstly we have that idiotic statement from Tom Rogers, the council's cabinet councillor for transport, that we close the Portway for the exclusive use of cyclists on certain days of the year. This is then followed with an equally unintelligent suggestion from the former lord mayor of Bristol, Peter Abraham, that the city centre be pedestrianised on a number of Sundays throughout the year. According to this gentleman, entire families can then stroll around this featureless area and enjoy themselves.

Why stop at the city centre Mr Abraham? What about the Downs, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Hotwells Road, Kingswood High Street, the list is endless. Better still a total exclusion zone for the entire city within its boundary circle.

I would assume your proposed ban on traffic would include buses, taxis, coaches, motor bikes in addition to cars. Mr Abraham states that our twinned city of Bordeaux is an absolute treat to wander around on their traffic-free days, it's a wonderful atmosphere there.

Tell me Mr Abraham, is the city centre of Bordeaux similar to the monstrosity that Bristol City Council created here, on what was once a picturesque area with its flower beds?

It's no wonder we have such a problem in Bristol with traffic congestion, caused by the road schemes implemented over the years, when one considers the standard of councillors we have making these decisions if they are all of the same calibre as Messrs Rogers and Abraham.

Ivor Pearce,

Failand.