We see now pressure from government to build new homes. That is clearly got to happen. However, I have said many times that new estates must be linked to road improvements. There, of course, is a divided responsibility between City and County. The city of Winchester has hardly changed in the 40+years that I have lived here. The roads are now more congested then ever at times. Possibly the worst is the Romsey Road. All that slow-moving traffic wastes energy and causes pollution so it's not an issue to ignore. Whether the vehicle movements are by EV or petrol/diesel makes no difference to the numbers.

What I feel is needed is a ring-road around our city or some means to go from East to West without going through the centre. It's quite radical but I don't see anyone wanting to give up their car soon so someone has to manage the issue or perhaps more radical solutions are needed - a car free housing estate?

Tony Gaster,

Old Kennels Lane,

Oliver's Battery,

Winchester

Note from letters editor: This was a constant debate for many decades into the 1990s and featured in the local press. The powers that be decided that a ring road would simply increase traffic and the better option was to reduce traffic in the city with the use of park and ride, public transport, cycling and walking.