The suggestion that we tax tourists driving into the Peak District is madness, our local economy needs more visitors not less and local businesses within the congestion charge zone in London have witnessed a reduction in trade rather than an increase, despite any improvements in public transport.

Yet again, this demonstrates the instincts of our lacklustre local MP to control us through tax and anti-libertarian legislation.

He doesn’t seem to realise that he’s there to serve us; he seems to think that he’s in Westminster to rule us, pushing people around by proudly voting for a full smoking ban and helping to pass laws which mean that loving parents can be prosecuted for administering a slap on the leg to an unruly child.

If you thought that the days of spin had gone with the departure of Tony Blair, then look again at Mr Levitt’s column, in which he states that “The Manchester scheme is backed – in principle – by a huge majority of Manchester’s residents”.

Every opinion poll taken in Manchester shows that the public are overwhelmingly against this scheme. One conducted by the Manchester Evening News said that 64% of people were against the scheme and that 80% thought that it would have a negative effect on Manchester’s economy.

Another conducted by a former local councillor indicated that 86% of voters in north Manchester were opposed to these proposals.

I have no doubt that the legislation needed to impose a congestion charge in Manchester will be forced through against the wishes of the people who live there and any opposition will be quashed with the assistance of MPs from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who would not dare to suggest such a scheme to their own constituents for fear of being thrown out on their ear at the next election.

Neal Johnston

Brierley Green

Buxworth