WHEN there is injustice and violation of human rights, and there is needless pain and suffering, it is time to make a stand.

But, to make a stand because parking charges are set to rise, then surely not. This is only dealing with a symptom, which the whole country suffers from, and would only bring short term benefits, if any at all.

For things to improve long term, it is the root cause that needs to be dealt with, and there has certainly been enough evidence in the news to identify that in the past few months -- excessive and inappropriate use of the motor car.

The nation is facing serious problems because of this -- congestion, casualties and pollution. And all drivers are being asked to change their attitudes towards car dependency -- use their car less, consider other forms of transport, respect speed limits and the needs/rights of other road users, and consider using more environmentally friendly cars and fuel.

But it seems only a small minority are prepared to make any changes. So the solution can only come in the form of congestion charges, speed restrictions and higher duties and penalties. Clear proof in the fact that speeding offences are up 600 per cent.

With such serious problems on our roads, drivers who refuse to change their driving behaviour are selfish, inconsiderate and, where speed is concerned, contemptible. But then this is the nature of Britain's car culture and it seems we will just have to live with it, whether it be a traffic jam, a hospital bed, or, at worst, a coffin.

And for those who may be ignorant to the problems we all face, Professor David Begg (the Government-appointed transport advisor) estimates that traffic will increase by 20 per cent in the next 10 years, resulting in Bangkok-style pollution and congestion where traffic averages 2.5mph; child passenger fatalities rose by almost 50 per cent in 2001 and 20,000 people die each year from pollution-related illnesses.

Allan Ramsay

Ashcombe Drive

Radcliffe, Bury