LIKE many motorists, Tony Taylor does not want to face the fact that all users of fossil fuels will have to change their habits within the next decade or two (Letters, October 18).

Unfortunately, the idea that scientists will come up with a new, non-polluting source of energy, and put a speedy end to global warming, is proving to be just a dream.

For example, an electric car is only non-polluting if there is also a supply of electricity from non-polluting sources.

Instead of dreaming, everyone has a part to play in reducing pollution.

Cars are only one source of pollution. In a household with an average income, the other sources of pollution such as domestic heating, buying goods which have required large amounts of energy to produce or transport, and taking cheap flights to far-off places can all cause more pollution than the family car.

Naturally, motorists do not like the idea of congestion charging, and a few still expect to be able to drive anywhere, at any time, without restriction.

However, most people will agree that cities such as York cannot allow traffic to grow until it comes to a standstill.

With politicians wanting to avoid taking unpopular decisions, now is the time for a public discussion of the alternatives, especially the measures tried in other cities, so that road traffic can be controlled in a way that is effective, fair to everyone, and as painless as possible.

Humphrey Terry,

New Walk Terrace, York.

Updated: 10:19 Monday, October 25, 2004