LET's get one thing clear, the problem of traffic on our roads today is for HM Government to solve.

They should do this in partnership, and with common agreement, of other countries, then act in concert, instead of the go-it-alone Britain. Until this happens we ought to take our towns and cities back to the prosperous situation they were in 20 years ago when motorists had little difficulty in shopping in towns and cities.

In trying to persuade the electorate to use public transport, our MPs must set the example by disposing of their private motor cars. Then they should consider, where there is no security risk, using public transport. In a similar vein, an example should be set by all local politicians, and to extend this to all civil servants and local authority employees. Then perhaps "they" will realise that the motor car is here to stay, accept it, and get on with life.

Make it welcome in our towns and cities, provide more spaces for it, do not penalise it for it contains a valuable commodity -- customers! What do customers bring? Prosperity! By all means charge for parking, but do not, as at present, particularly in Bolton, make those charges too high and, as a result, alienate the motor car.

Other countries, especially France, are beginning to realise this and, as a result of welcoming the motor car into the towns, are prospering once again.

Make those dear parking attendants helpful, instead of constantly appearing to be in search of revenue to justify their existence -- their attitudes and methods are distinctly draconian.

(Name and

address supplied)