MOTORISTS may not be the major problem where global warming/pollution is concerned; they are, whether Tony Taylor accepts it or not, a part of the problem (Letters, October 18). The fact that there are elements we cannot control increases rather than diminishes the need to bear down on those we can.

Global considerations are ultimately overriding; but even just thinking of the local situation, parts of our city - for example Bootham, Gillygate and Rougier Street - have become unpleasant places in which to be during the day on account of exhaust fumes. And then there is the congestion itself.

Last week I foolishly drove to Poppleton and back in the early evening: the journey took me over an hour. Such time-wasting benefits nobody. Some combination of sticks and carrots must be found to persuade people to travel less or by other means. I am no paragon in this regard; but at least I know not to take the car into York unless it is really, really necessary.

The idea that motoring must be maintained for the sake of the jobs it creates is risible. Once upon a time there were people whose livelihoods depended on making tack and saddlery; once upon a time there were people whose livelihoods depended on mining coal; once upon a time there were people whose livelihoods depended on making flint axe-heads. Industries come and industries go: the need for land, air and food remains.

And how will Blunkett, Davies and the BNP, who all work themselves into such a lather over a trickle of political refugees, react to environmental refugees in their millions?

Tony Taylor is at least right about aviation, the ludicrous underpricing of which represents a major failure of international co-operation.

Robert Stevens,

Bootham Crescent,

York.

Updated: 11:04 Wednesday, October 27, 2004