I READ Mr Tyler's letter (True cost of driving, June 16) with more than a little interest. As usual the solution produced by these "experts" is based mainly on speculation.

He states that research shows that when congestion and environmental considerations are taken into account motorists are probably not paying enough. I would be more than a little interested to know who produced this research and where they obtained their data.

Mr Tyler, the UK has the most highly taxed motorists in Europe together with what is arguably the worst road system which the authorities are incapable of maintaining properly.

So far as costs are concerned the following figures were published in the Daily Telegraph some time ago. In 1996 British motorists were hit for a massive £28 billion in tax ie: £1,154 for every vehicle on the road. How much of this was spent on road schemes? Just £8 billion, so out of his £1,154 the British motorist got just £308 back.

Since 1996 of course there have been massive increases in both VED and petrol tax.

In fact the way the British motorist is fleeced by the government makes the Brinks Matt Robbery look a like a bit of minor shoplifting.

I suggest therefore that these so-called experts come out from behind their computer screens and take a look at what is going on and tell us what can be done.

Finally Mr Tyler stop telling us not to make non-essential car trips; at £4 a gallon all my car journeys are essential.

Mike Usherwood,

Mendip Close,

Huntington, York.