THE clerk to Huntington Parish Council commented on York's past Green Belt policy, and its impact on his locality (Letters, October 4).

His letter included a vitriolic attack on City of York Council Labour group members, and the planning and transport policies which they enacted while in office.

While I support his feeling on the Green Belt, I must challenge his views on the perceived causes of York's "congestion and sky high buildings".

The council, whatever its political makeup, is not responsible for traffic congestion in the city.

That is the fault of thousands of local car owners who believe that ownership of a car entitles them to unfettered peak time access to, and parking within, York city centre.

This demand must be prioritised, if the peak capacity of our city's finite road space is not to be exceeded.

York and every other local authority is producing its next five year Local Transport Plans (2006-10). In order to attract substantial Government funding, these must promote measures to further reduce car dependency, by encourage walking, cycling and public transport.

If this does not prise more short-distance commuters from their beloved cars, then congestion charging may be the next option.

Perhaps all York's traffic restrictions should be removed for a "demonstration" day.

Then we will surely experience the gridlock that has been staved off for many years.

On the planning side, a developer's proposals are weighed against national planning laws and guidance.

If the city council tries to veto a proposal which falls within these guidelines, then the developer may appeal.

If successful, this will leave York's council tax payers to fund a hefty legal bill.

Paul Hepworth,

Windmill Rise,

Holgate,

York.

Updated: 10:29 Thursday, October 07, 2004