Readers have had their say on whether Romford should go carless afterThe Recorder published a story showing how its streets would look pedestrianised using an AI tool.

On November 8, The Recorder ran a story about how Romford's roads would appear if they were designed for pedestrians and cyclists with the aid of a Dutch AI bot.

An AI tool from Dutch Cycling Lifestyle takes a road address anywhere in the world and scans the Google street view.

Images created show alternative scenes in popular Romford roads, including Main Road, Angel Way and Mercury Gardens.

Since then, readers have responded with strong, mixed views.

Roberta Brooks vehemently took against the idea.

"They're bonkers, [Romford is] a big town," she said. "The stores, how are they delivering stuff, on bicycles?"

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But not all were opposed to it.

Terry Hughes said that cars should not be scrapped, but a reduction would benefit Romford.

"It [Romford] would be a better place with a lot less [cars]," he said. "We could have more pedestrian areas and we could encourage people to switch short journeys to walking and cycling."

Terry added that more cycling would only happen if people feel safe of Havering's roads, which he described as "hostile."

Romford Recorder: Main Road, Romford, reimagined without cars by an AI toolMain Road, Romford, reimagined without cars by an AI tool (Image: Google)

Main Road, pictured above, has a wealth of businesses that rely on deliveries from vehicles for stock.

There has always been a trade-off between convenience and appearance, evidenced in the contrasting images here.

Kenny Jacob rejected the idea that this would improve Romford.

"No thanks," he said to the proposition. "We need and want our cars."

Julie Allsop agreed with Kenny and said the area would already look like that if it was the public's will.

"It would already look like that if that was the way people wanted to live," she said.

Grass verges have been a divisive topic in Havering, with some expressing support and others disdain.

Romford Recorder: Mercury Gardens road reimagined with flowerbeds and cycle pathsMercury Gardens road reimagined with flowerbeds and cycle paths (Image: Google)

The photo above shows what Mercury Gardens might look like if growth was encouraged, albeit at the cost of motorists.

Matt Hill was behind the idea and said it was something to aspire to.

But Jean Barry was skeptical and claimed the plants would go missing overnight.