IT was a ray of hope to able to meet Chris Grayling, the Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, earlier this week at Clifton Moor, and discuss York's worsening transport problems and the near-daily gridlock on the northern Outer Ring Road.

There are serious problems for businesses on Clifton Moor, with many office blocks and commercial sites having lain vacant for months. People dread the daily commute because of the inadequacy of the ring road to meet the area's needs and lack of suitable alternative transport.

Chris stated that while the Conservatives will promote and encourage alternatives to the car, the car must be recognised as an important part of society.

While no promises can be made at present, improving traffic flow on roads, such as the A1237, is seen as important for commerce, jobs and communities.

For now, our despair must continue. The Liberal Democrat council's transport initiatives consist of changing the white lines by Tesco and wasting more vast sums of council taxpayers' money on yet another roundabout.

What happened to the Poppleton Park&Ride? Why no railway stations at Haxby and Strensall? They have no effective transport policy for York; Clifton Moor will decline until we have a council with vision - hurry up the elections next year.

Joe Watt, UK base manager, Industria de Turbo Propulsores (ITP), Kettlestring Lane, Clifton Moor, York.