Time for a new policy on transport

SIR – It seems that First Capital Connect has little or no regard for the dangers arising from their customers parking in the nearby streets to stations such as Welwyn North, Brookmans Park and Welham Green, due to ever-increasing charges for parking. Al

SIR - It seems that First Capital Connect has little or no regard for the dangers arising from their customers parking in the nearby streets to stations such as Welwyn North, Brookmans Park and Welham Green, due to ever-increasing charges for parking.

Also this company, year in year out, seems able to increase fares way above the rate of inflation, with our politicians apparently powerless to do anything to redress the situation.

Surely it is time for the introduction of an overall transport policy, to make the most of our scarce resources.

No doubt such a policy already exists, perhaps put to one side, with a latter-day Sir Humphrey Appleby condemning it as being "very courageous" - ie not a vote-winner, as some important vested interests would thereby be over-ridden.

Such a policy would perhaps include the proviso that public transport should be so efficient and economical as to provide a genuine alternative to the motor car.

As regards our local environment, perhaps it would review the possible reopening of the railway line, which used to run between Hertford via Hatfield to St Albans (much of it is still in existence - now Alban Way).

Maybe it would be necessary to bring some or all of the services back into public ownership.

Free parking at stations would be included as part of the policy, to actively encourage motorists to park and ride.

Don Bewick, Holloways Lane, Welham Green.