Sir – As Hugh Jaeger reminds us (Letters, April 16), cyclists are advised not to overtake on the left; but with trams the only space on the right is the inches allowed for clearance of trams coming in the opposite directions.

Even getting to this involves crossing two rails and re-crossing them to regain the left side. I doubt whether, as he anticipates, one tram will replace two or three buses; but, in any case, this will rarely be applicable as the buses are likely to have different destinations. In order to reduce the problems caused by six pairs of tracks meeting on The Plain, he proposes that Iffley Road should continue with buses; but running a mixed system of trams and buses brings its own complications for the operators.

Since trams cannot overtake each other, it will be impossible to continue running the park-and-rides as express services. They will have to take their place with other trams.

Trams have their attractions as a way of reducing emissions; but I cannot see how they ‘will increase passenger capacity and reduce congestion’, or that they will not make cycling more hazardous.

Dr Ian East (Letters, April 16) realises that ‘it now seems very likely that two tracks would be needed’ in High Street.

They certainly will — as well as along most other roads in the city where buses now run.

Robert Sephton, Kennington