Why we need cars

I read with interest Victoria White’s article (Opinion, Aug 15) on our national obsession with cars as a means of transport. In an ideal world it would be lovely if cycling and public transport catered for all our travel needs.

Unfortunately, we don’t live in that ideal world. If you live outside Dublin it is virtually impossible to get around without the use of your own mechanised transport. Bus stops are often miles from homes, and travel at irregular times.

Your destination may also be miles from your final bus stop. I also suspect that many of the “outsiders” she refers to who don’t or can’t drive benefit from the use of friends’, relatives’, or neighbours’ cars.