The petrol crisis proved one thing -- that we are too dependent on petrol and diesel.

It's time we harnessed alternative sources of power, such as electricity, gas and steam.

During the war, cars ran on gas. We had trolley buses, which I remember seeing in Sheffield and Huddersfield, and trams, which are now returning to our cities.

They should never have been stopped, as apart from all else, they are environmentally friendly.

We also had steam wagons on our roads delivering goods, I remember milk being delivered by horse and cart -- no pollution there apart from horse muck!

I would question the right of anyone to hold the country to ransom.

William Hague, stating there was no intimidation of tanker drivers, was wrong. Why else did they wear balaclavas on the faces and have policemen in their cabs?

DORIAN WATSON, Rosehill Road, Burnley.