I CAN think of a better way to spend half a million pounds. 

Instead of making extensions to cycle paths in the city, why not use the money towards providing a proper viable park-and-ride scheme?

That would certainly go some way to reducing exhaust pollution from cars.

Both Winchester and Portsmouth have made them work, benefiting their city centres, so why not Southampton?

Incidentally, the current administration haven`t mentioned where they would obtain all the money needed to provide the network of cycle paths, considering they have already made drastic cuts to services and say further cuts are to be made!

If Southampton City Council are really serious about reducing air pollution, then a park-and-ride provision must surely be given priority consideration over cycle paths for a minority.

We are a long way from persuading people to ride around on two wheels other than for a fun event!

Richard A Jacob, Southampton.