IN response to reader B M (Letters, February 20) about youth disorder, youngsters can do what they like in the streets these days, with a minimal chance of being caught by an almost invisible police force.

In the most unlikely event they are caught, they will receive a laughable punishment, which will most certainly not deter them from offending again.

These youths do not pay taxes, but at night they do assume ownership of the streets (which we pay for) and we must stop moaning and learn to accept this sad fact of life in Scotland today.

We must accept reality. We need at least three times the number of police permanently out on the streets at night, and that is not going to happen.

We need the courts to come down so hard on offenders that they will not dare re-offend. Again, that is not going to happen.

The only thing decent people can do, to avoid coming into contact with these yobs, is to do what thousands of Scots have done already, and that is to arrange their lives in such a way that they do not have to go out after 6pm. NAME and address supplied Payment plan for politicians

I propose the following system for payment of MPs, MSPs and councillors: Firstly, they are paid the average wage with no expenses (just like the rest of us).

Then at the end of their first year they are given a 50% increase ONLY if they have fulfilled their pre-election promises.

Finally, if they have not kept these promises they get another year to do so, failing which they lose their seat.

I believe a hopeful Glasgow candidate by the name of Guy Aldred gave this undertaking in the 1950s. Needless to say, he didn't get elected The last thing I would say is that they should not be allowed to give themselves increases without a referendum.

I can dream, can't I? JIM LEWIS Via e-mail Help out low-paid women

i agree with the letter which appeared in the Evening Times on February 20 about equal pay for women who work for Glasgow City Council.

Why are hard-working citizens sitting waiting for the Labour councillors to speak up for low-paid females?

As the letter said, if they want to be voted in at the May elections, they should do something now for these people.

If they don't, low-paid women, and men, should use the votes our grandfathers fought for and vote in another party.

Come on Glasgow, stick up for the people who need to see salaries coming up to the standards they deserve.

After all, cooks, cleaners, janitors and home carers are the backbone of our city and they need our help.

As for putting people on 90-day notices, this is a disgrace. Labour should hang their heads in shame. NAME and address supplied Hospital parking cost fury

AS an ex-employee of Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary I had to write about the high charges for parking at the hospital being introduced from April.

Full-time staff will have to pay £194 a month for the privilege or parking.

Estimates that people visiting A&E will wait an hour and 45 minutes are ridiculous. I have waited more than four hours on three occasions.

Many relatives will not be able to visit their loved ones, and wards will be even more understaffed as nurses won't work extra shifts.

Expect a higher number of ambulance call-outs as people try to avoid the parking charges.

I hope those who thought this up will never have to visit the hospital. PAMELA COCHRANE Clarkston WRITE: Evening Times, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB. Please include your name and address. E-MAIL: letters@eveningtimes.co.uk Please include postal address. TEXT: key in the word 'etletters', leave a space then send your comments to 88010. Max 160 characters. Please include your name or initials and where you're from. Texts cost 25p at all times.