IN his letter (May 19) Pete Zanzottera claims my statement was completely incorrect about using ratepayers' money to install the traffic congestion management system (TCMS).

Perhaps he would like to explain how central Government gets its funding, not by rattling tins in Parliament Street.

Steve Galloway states that the signs are to guide traffic to the car parks. He obviously hasn't seen the ones where it said: "York races tomorrow. Plan your journey". Or "York races today. Congestion may occur".

How do these messages help people to find a car park?

Perhaps they could use their mobiles and phone for directions.

EA Carter,

Marston Crescent,

Acomb, York.

...I READ the council responses to readers' letters on transport (May 19).

Regarding the use of mobile telephones road safety officer Peter Zanzottera has clearly wasted his time and our money.

Recently I left home and found I was held up by the recycle collection vehicle parked on the offside of the road, its driver with mobile telephone securely clamped to his ear. The call continued as I waited and he drove the vehicle along making the collections.

If Heslington residents wish to have their own exclusive and private road, they should be the ones who pay for it. They should meet the cost of installation, upkeep and pay a large fee for keeping it exclusive.

Better still, because we all suffer from council-created congestion, why not give us all a bollard or toll? We could install one on Thanet Road then I could also drive out without being held up. After all, what is good for goose must be good for gander, or does the council discriminate?

M J Natt,

Orchard Close, York.

...I RECENTLY had the charge for parking outside my own house doubled from £13 a quarter to £26 a quarter and with no explanation about why.

I get absolutely nothing for this extra charge and, apart from putting up my rates which as a pensioner, I can ill afford, my parking has doubled.

It is nothing more than a money making exercise.

If I want to go to the theatre or a restaurant in town I now have to pay to park my car at night. The local elections are coming up soon so let those responsible for this outrage be named.

We should know who they are because it is a consideration in the way we vote.

AP Clayton-Chance,

Richardson Street,

York.

Updated: 10:23 Tuesday, May 25, 2004