The Government is choking off demand for rail travel to try to justify its attack on public transport. But if commuters spurn trains they perceive to be unsafe and turn instead to the car, there will be even worse traffic congestion and much greater levels of pollution, already at dangerous levels in many cities.

The chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, Paul Tuohy, says: “If this shift towards car use becomes entrenched, we will see increased carbon emissions, air pollution and traffic-clogged streets.”

He called for a freeze on rail fares for next year, and went on: “We really need to rebalance pricing towards greener modes: it makes no sense that bus and rail fares continue to rise while fuel duty for drivers has been frozen for a decade and the Government is considering cutting air passenger duty.”

The so-called safe and healthy option of cycling has been shown to be anything but. Many more are now cycling to and from work, but at what cost? Cycling has been shown by the Rail Safety and Standards Board to be 403 times less safe than rail – and that doesn’t account for the increased exposure cyclists have to traffic fumes. And how many will still find cycling attractive in the depths of winter?

For those who cannot afford cars, or are not physically up to cycling, rail is the only option – but it may become somewhat less attractive than it is now as services and frequencies are cut.

It beggars belief that even state-owned rail freight company Direct Rail Services is seeking volunteers to leave instead of looking to exploit opportunities to reduce reliance on diesel-powered lorries with their attendant emission issues. The shortage of HGV drivers presents just such an opportunity.

Will Podmore

Clavering Road, Wanstead