I HAVE been following the debate on the possible introduction of road tolls within the city of York.

While I appreciate the need to restrict traffic flows in the city, such draconian actions cannot be instigated unless sufficient thought has gone into the proposal.

I do not believe that those responsible for the idea of returning Dick Turpin-style stand-and-deliver tolls to the city have really considered the effects which would be felt by those of us who live in more rural areas.

The introduction of additional Park & Ride facilities would be of little benefit to those of us who are regular users of the rail network radiating from York. I would not appreciate having to depend on what are often undependable bus services. If charges are to be levied, those who should pay are the citizens of York.

They at least have a bus service as a viable alternative.

We in rural areas do not.

David Rhodes,

The Shrubberies,

Cliffe, Selby.

...ANYONE visiting York this week and reading the Evening Press could be forgiven for thinking the city is populated by a spiritually-enriched, altruistic and far-sighted citizenry. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Let no one be in doubt that the emergence of option three in the transport planning questionnaire as the preferred option is anything but NIMBY-ism on the grand scale or that the stirrings of opposition to Coppergate II is anything but the protection of vested interest, pure and simple.

Ironically, both these developments could be the start of a vast improvement in the quality of life for York residents and visitors alike, despite the motives being highly suspect.

If option three, as unradical as it is, comes to fruition it might just mean the beginning of the end for the all-powerful car. Likewise if Coppergate II can be stopped from ever getting off the drawing board it could well begin a move toward city centre planning that doesn't put the pernicious greed of consumerism at the top of the agenda all the time.

By sheer accident York may just do something radically different, putting quality of life before greed and profit generating a city centre with something for everyone not just those addicted to their cars and credit cards.

Is the dream of a clean-aired, sustainable, spiritually-rich city finally to become a reality at last? I am very cautiously optimistic.

Graham Horne,

Beech Avenue,

Bishopthorpe, York.