Raising taxes won't cut carbon emissions

PEOPLE who think taxes help the climate change situation annoy me extremely. They know perfectly well that it is a load of 'hot air' and the only people affected are the less well off.

The latest idea of charging to park at work, Pay to park at work 'tax' plan, Echo, February 4, is so obviously a stealth tax that it is also obvious the city council hasn't a clue how else to show that it is supposed to be concerned for our future.

Considering the high prices charged for public transport, the buses would be practically empty if it were not for the bus pass holders using them.

If the council wants to cut down on traffic movements, especially in the city area, then it could close some of the 3,000 parking spaces.

I wonder if the people highlighted in your report on Thursday would tell us how they get to work and whether a charge on their parking place at work would make them alter their travel arrangements.

I can imagine their excuse would be that they need to use the car at times.

One of the things which come to mind to make this scheme unacceptable to a lot of motorists would be the access to a direct link between their home and where they work, and more importantly the time added to a working day waiting around for a bus, especially if a connection with another one is necessary.

So please come up with something a little more positive that helps cut carbon emissions — not another tax.

Peter Smith

Rosemary Street, Exeter