I WRITE regarding rat run safety (Letters, August 10). Another service that does nothing about traffic volume is the Traffic Commissioner's Office in Birmingham, would you believe? I daresay they have policies too.

When a Goods Vehicle Operators Licence is required, it can increase the amount of vehicles and trailers on an existing site, whether or not it is a depot.

The public notices appear in this newspaper. A collection of these will show the way "depots" are springing up in Redditch and nearby villages.

The most recent is for 30 vehicles and 20 trailers at Halfords Ltd, Unit 21, Broadground Road, Lakeside and for 70 vehicles with 150 trailers at its Icknield Street Drive, Washford West premises.

Both licences are for Exel Europe Ltd of Bedford!

This is a sure sign that depots for HGVs, as well as enormous warehouses, are what is happening to the type of employment in Redditch.

The public notices are for nearest neighbours only. You and I do not count. By the time the advert appears, licences have been issued.

Neighbours then have to deal with matters of "use and enjoyment of their own land" and have only 21 days in which to state reasons.

Presumably, the HGVs and trailers are already in place by then.

If no service department is dealing with the growing problem of HGV traffic, why are we paying our council tax?

Miss V KENDRICK

Enfield Road

Hunt End