AS A result of our consultation exercise and your publicity over the last couple of months, far more people will be aware of the changes in Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) permit fees from April 1 2011 - the first since 1999.

Even though I could take issue with your exaggeration of the size of the increases - '300 per cent', when in fact far more people will get the permits free (about 12 per cent), than those with the larger three litre high carbon emitters (about 3 per cent), I'm happy if it grabs people's attention.

But let's keep the facts clear. The vast majority of permit fees will increase from £50 to £75 or £100 per annum, depending on the emission rating of their car - the first increase for more than 10 years. In the current financial climate brought about by the Conservative/ LibDem budget, the council has no choice but to increase fees, as it cannot increase the council tax this year.

I hope that most people in Controlled Parking Zones, for whom the permit is a guarantee of convenient parking near their home, will regard that level of increase as understandable in the circumstances and a contribution to reducing climate change due to carbon emissions.

We're hoping also that it will encourage more people to share cars. Car club users (a growing band with more than 3,000 members already in Brent), will be allowed to park free.

Residents who surrender their permit could qualify for a voucher worth £200 towards the cost of being a member of a car club, the purchase of a bicycle or an Oyster card.

I hope that readers considering to go for a CPZ, as in Mr Maurice's case, will not be put off by exaggerated claims about the cost and will see it positively as an opportunity to ease their parking problems and help protect the environment.

COUNCILLOR JIM MOHER Lead Member for Highways & Transportation, Brent Council