Some suggestions regarding Roger Latham’s search for a middle way on the road (‘Survival by numbers’, November 12).
First, how much pollution is created by thousands of vehicles queuing on a typical evening to pay £1.50 to the Dartford Toll Company? The public won’t object if, for example, the government solves the problem by forcing the company to use automatic plate reading technology.
Such an action might also demonstrate to the public that the government means business.
Secondly, much road traffic arises from an over-emphasis on contractual work from outside and an under-emphasis on ability and learning opportunities within organisational recruitment policies – particularly those of a contract nature. Organisations need to change this. Government (including local) could lead from the front.
Finally, perhaps under International Financial Reporting Standards we should enter individual trees in parks as components within the balance sheet. It might give us incentives to compensate for Amazon deforestation within the UK.
Then again, given the current scarcity of capital resources, perhaps not.
Kevin Dack, Wickford, Essex
