Sir – I moved into Witney from a nearby village because I wished to leave my car at home and to walk to work.

The distance from my house to Bridge Street Mills is less than a ten-minute walk. The time taken is often double this trying to cross Bridge Street. With no pedestrian crossing and a reluctance for any vehicle to stop, the journey is also extremely dangerous. In summer I attempt the same trip by bike, which is not fun.

Now ever since I have worked in Witney, the debate has raged whether to build a bypass (the Cogges link) or to make the A40 junction into a four-way affair. In my opinion we should do both.

I know this will increase the costs but we have overlooked a major change that will help fund this project and start to reduce the overall volume of cars in the centre. Charge, via pay-and-display, in the car parks. Witney must be the only town in England to offer free parking in the centre. It is no wonder the roads are now choked and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

Car park charges would not only generate revenue to help build the link roads, but it also might encourage more to venture out on foot. So who would lose out if we did this?

I am sure shoppers will not drive else where because every other town charges for parking. The supermarkets could refund car parkers if they shop in their stores.

A slogan of free parking is not such an attractive boast when we should be reducing our carbon footprint.

As well as its green credentials anything that makes getting around Witney safer and more pleasurable has to be of benefit to the residents of this great town.

Duncan J Wood, Witney