Brighton and Hove City Council environment committee chairman Chris Morley's attempt to kill debate on claims by Traders Against Parking Persecution (Tapp) for fair parking treatment for tradesmen is symptomatic of desperation (Letters, March 8).

Yet, while tradesmen merely going about their daily living are penalised, our councillors have done all right, thank you very much.

In the past three years, they have awarded themselves 80 per cent increases in expenses and can choose a parking space either at Brighton or Hove's respective Town Hall car parks.

So, while tradesmen are told to use public transport, councillors can carry on regardless using cars, despite their policy to encourage use of public transport. Remembering Councillor Morley's patronising role as a "dustman" at the height of the city's refuse row, how about leading from the front now, councillor, and try to take a barrow-load of bricks on a Brighton and Hove bus?

-Keith W D Jago, Uplands Road, Brighton