SIR — I see there are plans to install a pay and display machine at Nutcome Bottom.

This proposal simply hasn't been thought through.

Firstly, from a personal perspective, I have used this space free of charge for over 20 years and I can see no reason why the Crown Estate should now charge for parking.

Secondly, and leaving personal indignation and vexation aside, the revenues obtained from the small number of people who do use the car park - mainly hikers and dog-walkers - will almost certainly not cover the costs of purchasing, installing, running, policing and maintaining the pay-and-display machine.

Thirdly, any local people who currently use the space for parking are well aware that there are a number of alternative places nearby where they will still be able to park their cars free of charge.

With this in mind, can I call on your readers to contact Exmoor National Park Authority on http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk">www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or write to them at Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9HL and urge the authority to reject the plans on the following grounds:

1) Custom and practice - local people have used this space free of charge for many years.

2) The revenues obtained will not cover costs.

3) Local people will use alternative parking and the expected revenues will not materialise.

4) Local people will use alternative parking thus spoiling and potentially damaging other parts of the local area.

Bill Peters,

Park Lane,