In response to A.D Skipp (Times Series, August 27), yes, I am only too aware of the vast amounts motorists pay in tax revenues, and I try to highlight this when the opportunity presents itself.

In fact, a British Roads Federation leaflet states that even in 1995, motorists contributed nearly £100 billion to the Treasury.

Evidently, the previous administration was only too aware of this and, seeing motoring solely as a lucrative money spinning venture providing an ample rate of return, were only too glad to precipitate car ownership and usage with numerous tax breaks and a £100 billion roadbuilding programme.

True to form, knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing, the Tories were keen to let the car roll relentlessly down the steep descent to "Carmageddon", even if it meant that the number of asthmatics soared.

Now John Prescott has the unenviable task of executing a U-turn in this madness. True, he has put up taxes. How else do you put the brake on something that has been allowed so wrecklessly to run out of control? How else do you ever hope to find the funds to finance a first class public transport system after so much has been foolishly wasted and misappropriated on a ruthless road-building programme?

Mr Prescott is a big man and doubtless it is going to take a big man to gamble his popularity when the stakes are so high. Perhaps he'd be better continuing where the Tories left off, taking the easy way out by opening the floodgates to more tax breaks, and thus paving the way to further chaos.

But the present Government cares enough about its people to make tough decisions in the face of cynics like Mr Skipp, if it knows that is what is necessary to turn the tyranny around.

Criticise Labour of some things, but don't ever accuse them of exploiting people. The Tories were so weak and feeble that, like an irresponsible parent pandering to a wayward child, they sought to buy popularity by appeasing the public, giving in to them by liberating the vices: drink, gambling and motoring.

Meanwhile, John Prescott has to hope his personality will carry him through.

David Degan, Harrow Friends of the

Earth

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