THE terms of the contract that the council agreed with NCP to monitor the waiting regulations in the borough have never been fully disclosed, but we have always been assured that the operatives employed by NCP are not motivated by an incentive scheme.

In fact, the truth is that NCP offers their employees gifts from Argos if they help to increase revenue. This information was included in an article in the Sunday Times (April 10).

NCP denies that it is a "point for tickets" scheme but says Argos points are distributed for all-round performance. However, one operative in London, when questioned, is reported to have said: "The more tickets you give, the more points you get. It goes on your Argos card".

This is not the first time that NCP have used incentives as it was disclosed that in 2004 they ran a competition in Westminster to find the warden who issued the most parking fines. The winner would have received a brand-new Vauxhall Corsa.

To give you some idea as to the financial clout of NCP, they still own a property portfolio of 170 freehold or long-leasehold car parks, which are thought to be worth nearly £400 million. In 2004 turnover of NCP rose to £400 million, and they reported earnings of £40 million.

Little wonder that I am now convinced that there is an incentive scheme in operation and that NCP are in business to raise as much money as they can, at the expense of the motorists of our borough. Will the council confirm or deny it?

A. WITHINGTON,

Manchester Road, Bury.