Sir.-Having read all the letters in The Gazette on parking in Basingstoke, I, as a driver, came to the conclusion that most local motorists are remarkably selfish.

Parking for free is not a God-given right to everybody. Parking is only free actually on property that you have bought. All other parking, and driving for that matter, is subject to limits imposed by society and by property interests.

That is why you need a driving licence, that is why you need insurance to drive, that is why we have speed limits, that is why you pay car and petrol tax and that is why you pay for both public and private parking.

Now it is open to drivers to form their own political party and, if they get enough support in elections, to take over centres of power. I, for one, hope that never happens.

Meanwhile, I trust we will all obey the law, even when it comes to parking. After all, if we don't like it, we can live in the centre of Basingstoke, walk or use public transport.

Those who choose to refuse to pay for parking, or who park on double yellow lines, need to remember fines will be imposed, licences revoked and, eventually, people imprisoned - even in prosperous five-car families!

-Joe Robertson, Downsland Road, Basingstoke.