REGARDING the TIF and Congestion charge can I try and maximise some agreement: 1) The vast majority of scientific opinion believes something has to be done to reduce CO2 emissions as well as other gasses to minimise global warming, from which parts of the world are already seeing massive problems, like loss of homes, problems the scientists say we are set to see in due course.

2) The two main political parties, rightly or wrongly, choose a market run economy as opposed to a command economy and the market has been allowed to increase its grip over the years until we could now be categorised as quite extreme in this respect. Until of course, under extreme duress, we have had to learn the hard way of its limitations in the banking system.

Keeping the wheels of the market oiled has recently revealed how much wealth our government had at its disposal when it bailed out the banking system, thus putting paid to the cries of poverty it shrieks when asked to pay decent wages to public workers, or more to the point, ensure adequate and quality public transport.

3) The pro TIF lobby believe that the congestion charge is worth it in order not only to address the problems set out in 1) above but to ensure business in Manchester will not grind to a halt due to grid lock on the roads through the £3000,000,000 promised over and above normal expenditure.

4) The downside to this arrangement for me is that although funds will be provided, supported by the congestion charge, it is not a progressive charge in that whatever your disposable wealth you will pay the same amount.

No doubt a fairer charge would increase its popularity.

So like with the banks I believe the gravity of the problem means money should be provided and be provided irrespective of the market and fairly. A fair charge would also include some consideration of the benefit to those who don’t travel into Manchester and a fair contribution they should make.

Again one charge fits all is the problem.

However I have to balance the depths of despair I believe we could sink into if these problems aren’t immediately addressed against this iniquitous approach.

As I have always been a keen campaigner for the environment and believe the effect of traffic as well as other current industrial and agricultural processes means irreparable environmental damage will result, and as nothing else immediate is on the table, I have to make a decision, which is I’ll vote yes to the TIF and congestion charge and would recommend everyone does the same.

M W Greenhalgh, Shaftesbury Avenue, Lostock