M8 link to airport not needed if we get railways right

IT is not particularly surprising that the road lobby and those interested in expansion of the airport should see this opportunity to press their case. First there were calls for a link with the M8. (Evening News, May 13).

The civil servants had apparently "forgotten" about the RBS headquarters, and it was now believed that congestion could be reduced by 14 per cent. Yes, but for how long! It is now well known that road space added, just fills up again.

To sugar the pill the head of policy of the Institute of Advanced Motorists said: "It could also open up opportunities to make more of the park-and-ride at Ingliston and the tram line itself."

I'm not so sure. I always believed the whole purpose of the tram line was to reduce road traffic. And, supplemented by the tram-train network (replacing the South Suburban) rail could easily move the people in the "forgotten" RBS HQ, without extra pollution. Pollution like congestion has costs. Heavy exposure to traffic fumes can lead to risks of DVT.

The Greens are naturally up in arms at the thought of a doubling in size of the airport by 2030 (Evening News, May 15). But have they looked at other arguments which could make such expansion unnecessary? On May 12 the News reported a meeting between business leaders and transport heads on securing a strategy which would lay down high speed links North from London.

Such ideas have been gaining momentum with support from Iain Coucher, chief executive of Network Rail, and the Atkins Report. With the journey times these would provide, short-haul domestic flights would lose their present share of the market, and there would be no need for extra space. It would also drastically reduce pollution, so the Greens should lend their support.
David G Guild, Grange Road, Edinburgh

Wheelchairs before buggies on the bus
I FULLY support M McCormack's opinion that wheelchairs users should not be turned away when there is a buggy on board. (Inter@ctive, May 19.) Babies can be lifted and buggies folded. People are usually more than happy to help a parent with a cute wee child on or off with a buggy.

I am sure many wheelchair users would be happy to get out of their chair and fold it up, thus creating more room. However this is not an option for most of them and I am very sure there are few people who would be willing to help a disabled person in doing this.

Drivers need to request buggies are folded up when a wheelchair wants to use the bus. Buses can provide the only means of transport for disabled people who need to attend hospital or clinic appointments. I would appeal to the public
Ann Morrison, Bonnyrigg

Brown's not fit to grace Assembly
FORGET Cherie Blair, Lord Levy and John Prescott. They cloud the issues. As Chancellor, Gordon Brown signed the cheques for the Iraq War. He is committed to replacing Trident at huge cost. Both are policies at variance with the General Assembly. It isn't speeches that matter but action.
Andrew J T Kerr, Castlegate, Jedburgh

It was unfair to show OAP after fall
HOW totally insensitive of your newspaper to show the photograph of the elderly gentleman who fell on Arthur's Seat (News, May 16).

Shame on you!
Margaret Hanley, Mansefield, East Calder

Let's just leave the driving test as it is
THE Government wants to make the driving test harder. Why?

Safe driving is based on the quality of the instruction, the information between pupil and teacher, and the attitude of the pupil.

It should also be remembered that the Highway Code is based on the situation as it should be from an aerial viewpoint.

Furthermore, the advice of mirror, signal, manoeuvre I have never used and have no intention of using.

New drivers have to get used to driving in single file whether they like it or not.
CJR Fentiman, Polwarth Gardens, Edinburgh

Congratulations on pristine park
WELL done Edinburgh – the landscaping of St Andrew Square Garden is beautiful. To see what has been done by bringing the garden to life must deserve a mention. Being open to the public as well should be appreciated as I know for years access was only allowed to the holders only from the surrounding business premises. I am originally from Edinburgh and still can appreciate Edinburgh's beauty.
Catherine Murray, Inverewe Place, Dunfermline, Fife

New Borders line is only for cranks
I'M really not surprised at the crystal clear result of the poll on the proposed re-instatement of the Borders railway (News, May 19), which shows that this expensive white elephant is unloved and unwanted.

The line is only ever going to be used by a few environmentalist cranks whose every trip will be heavily subsidised at taxpayers' expense.

Car users are never going to subject themselves to the capriciousness of the trades unionists who still call the shots on our railways, whilst the poor will continue to travel by the cheaper alternative of the bus.

Railways have had their day and the £300 million should instead go towards building a decent motorway in the Borders – benefitting car and bus user alike!
John Eoin Douglas, Spey Terrace, Edinburgh