IT IS pleasing to read that electric cars are being promoted in a north Oxford car club, see above, November 15.

Ordinary vehicles give off particulate matter and nitrous oxides that are harmful to health. Diesel fumes are especially harmful. Diesel is linked to heart disease and inflames arteries.

Benzene fumes from petrol have been proven beyond scientific doubt to cause leukaemia. The Lib Dems state in their policy manifesto that electric vehicles should gradually take centre stage. This visionary plan would lead to improved respiratory and cardiovascular health. These electric vehicles need plenty of electricity to charge up.

My main worry is that closing coal power stations such as Didcot may result in insufficient power to do this: a shame, as Didcot did not emit pollution, following expensive recent improvements to its stacks.

Oxford once hoped to become a world leader selling electric cars. Incentives need to be reinstated immediately.

Electric transport is the way forward and will lead to healthier and happier city dwellers.

SUSAN THOMAS, Magdalen Road, Oxford