The reason people choose the car over public transport is because they can afford to.

Before cars were so universally owned, people travelled to work by bus, train, cycle or even walked.

Many large firms, especially factories employing shift workers, ran their own coaches, dropping workers off at points near their homes.

People looking for work also considered whether the journey would be practicable by public transport, sometimes moving to live near employment.

Nor were cars necessary for shopping. Small shops had errand boys on bicycles calling for and delivering orders. Departmental stores delivered. Milk was delivered, often twice a day. Those were the days when one got service.

I fail to see why more shops won't deliver. Small shops could use motor cycle outfits like the old ice cream carts and AA rescue men.

-Mrs B Middleton, Hove