While I agree in principle Kevin I must say that we do ned a good alternative. Let me explain my predicament as an example.

I drive a lot for my Job and use the car extensively to visit clients all over the UK. I would LOVE to have a break from it when I am in the office. However...

I live around 5 miles, as the crow flies, from the office. Mrs G (Elaine) works within 1.5 of a mile from me and does not drive. Let us take our individual journeys on public transport.

1. We both leave home at 7:30. Walk .5 of a mile to the bus stop. Catch the bus for the 2.5 mile trip to Salford. Buy a day ticket each at a total cost of £5.

2. Disembark at Salford Crescent. 8:00. Walk .5 mile to the train station to catch train. 2 mile trip to Deansgate Station total return cost. £3.00. Arrive Salford Crescent 8:20.

3. Elaines walks the remaining mile. Gets to work around 8:45. I walk to the Metrolink station to get the tram. Cost of return tram ticket. £1.40. I disembark from the tram at Trafford bar. Walk the 1/2 mile to work. Arrive before 9.

4. Homeward bound sees a similar journey. We both arrive home, knackered, at around 18:30 and nearly £10 poorer.

THERE ARE NO ALTERNATIVES. Believe me. We have tried. I could cycle. Elaine couldn't. We could get the bus to Manchester and walk 1.5 and 2.5 miles respectively. In the dark? Through some of the roughest areas of Manchester? You are kidding!

I am working on getting Elaine on the pillion of the Honda 500 but she is a bit reluctant...;-)

Anyhow. Same journey. Car.

Leave home. 8:30. Drop Elaine off 8:45. In work before 9. Leave work 17:00. Pick Elaine up 17:10. Home before 17:30. Cost - Petrol £1.50 at the most? Other costs - None, the company expenses pay for everything else!

Where is the contest? So, before we begin to talk of car free cities which, in principle, would be wonderfull let us address some of the problems eh?

Sorry to go on but this issue realy gets me going! (Could you tell?)

Cheers

:D