February 20, 2001 10:13: SUFFERER of Tylers Green (one of many!) in Midweek letters of February 6 describes the situation in Bucks of excessive dependence and over-use of cars.

Taking children by car to school for short journeys is only one, local, symptom of this. The inability of the county council to replace the school crossing patrol officer (lollipop lady) at Little Kingshill (page eight, of same edition) and reluctance of parents at Tylers Green Middle School even to cross the road with their children both reflect our misuse of the roads.

The Local Transport Plan for the years 2001-2006, adopted by the county council last year, aims to promote choice in transport so that people can choose whether or not to use the car if they have one, and to provide more access for people who do not drive.

In practice, as at Little Kingshill, all the available funds for major works, such as traffic calming, are used up by the claims of sites having top priority, which is those where there have been accidents, especially fatalities.

A fast road which bisects a village, cutting the schools off from each other and the village hall and open space hardly gets a look in! The road is too dangerous to cross on foot.

Paragraph 3.4 of Vol.2 the Local Transport Plan acknowledges that the walking environment is perceived (sic!) to be dangerous and unpleasant, yet walking still remains one of the best ways of travelling for short trips. As well as getting from A to B, it is also a very healthy activity, which also contributes to a more vibrant community with improved "street life". Perhaps it will all be better in 2006!

The Department of the Environment, Transport & the Regions has published, free of charge, "Encouraging Walking, advice to local authorities", which mentions personal health and global warming (Telephone (020) 7944 2945, fax (020) 7944 2211).

To my mind it is rather timid but at least it is a step (I hope this is the right word) in the right direction. Chapter one at least is headed "Changing the priorities" and mentions increasing obesity, including even children, and traffic domination.

Perhaps our best hope is that children will educate their parents and go on to be better citizens themselves.

The Pedestrians Association publish, for first schools, "On The Move", a project pack for the Literacy Hour", unfortunately at £10, which puts transport problems into context, and some free advice on Walk to School (Tel (020) 7820 1010, fax (020) 7820 8208).

You have reported some schemes on walking to school. Unfortunately I mainly remember Seer Green, where there were complaints about markings on the pavement where children get together for a "crocodile" or "walking bus".

For many adults now, the car was a step to adulthood and independence, a symbol of new-found prosperity. Now that ownership is the norm, open space, health, peace and safety are at a premium. Hopefully the next generation will learn from our mistakes.

Already some of the initiatives for Walk to School have come from children, who want free air, companionship and independence, not from elders (and betters?)

Jim Whitehead, Belmont Road, Chesham