I read with interest Cr Baldock's proposals (SunLive, November 21) to increase parking costs in a plus/minus proposal for councillors to consider.

The wondrous ideas of $36/day, shuttles and so on from as far away as Sulphur Point to the CBD. These ideas would appear unrealistic and totally impractical. Shoppers have shown clear reluctance to use Cliff Road parking, instead choosing to shop anywhere else rather than the CBD.

With all respect to this notion, it fails to address the core issues. The CBD of recent years has lost around 900 plus carparks that were available to CBD workers and shoppers. CBD workers mostly remain, the shoppers have missed out and left. For a decade the cause has been abundantly clear and obvious: less carparks means less shoppers so less business/commercial activity in the CBD, a downward-spiralling plan created by TCC.

When will these simple and obvious facts percolate into city hall and be remedied? Perhaps in the future, dawn will fade in with a thought of 'Why is the CBD dark and empty?' Perhaps only then will the folly be recognised for what it is. The CBD will be completely emptied of cars, transport and so, people. Will TCC then seek an appropriate remedy?

I Stevenson, Tauranga (Abridged).