Letters: Lorries and vans are still flouting ban from city park

I am in the park usually four times daily and I can count at least two or three commercial vehicles passing through from vans to builders’ lorries.

Notice boards clearly show a warning of a £30 fine but neither the council or Historic Scotland seem to be carrying out their duties. What is the taxpayer paying for?

And if there are fines being handed out, where is the money going?

Peter Sharp, Hamilton Grove, Edinburgh

Key family role in teaching children

WHAT Gina Davidson says about prospects for our children when they leave school is interesting (News, May 24).

She mentions the activities of government, councils, schools and so on, but leaves out the most fundamental body of all – the family.

How many children are going into the world of work ready? So many children today are given everything by indulgent parents who seem to have lost an age-old skill – educating their young that you get nothing for nothing.

As a child, I learned that I could earn from simple tasks such as washing dad’s car, sweeping the drive or helping around the house or garden.

Simple measures such as that are by far the best way of preparing our children for the hard reality of adulthood – a living is earned, not gifted.

Martin Devlin, London Road, Edinburgh

PR compromises party manifestos

THE electoral system of proportional representation means we now have coalition councils in many areas of Scotland. But does it really mean we’ll get better governance and is PR really as fair as its supporters say it is?

I believe that proportional representation, which is seen as strengthening our democracy, in fact only weakens it.

When a voter goes to the polls they are voting for a party which represents their principles, but under the PR system that is not the case. Party manifestos will be compromised.

Chas Dennis, Niddrie Marischal Road, Edinburgh

Bridge workers still remembered

IT was nice to see the picture of First Minister Alex Salmond pay his respects to workers killed during the construction of the Forth Bridge at a new memorial (News, May 19).

Twin monuments to the 73 men who died in the process were unveiled in both North and South Queensferry.

Indeed, the monuments are a fitting tribute to honour the brave men who sadly lost their lives during the construction of the iconic rail bridge.

No doubt they will always be remembered with pride and never be forgotten.

June Fleming, Hercus Loan, Musselburgh, East Lothian

Don’t tell us how we should vote

AS a Scot living in Edinburgh I don’t know of anyone who is in favour of Scotland going independent.

We are stronger united. As for these so called Scottish “celebs” who are in favour of it, how can they be taken seriously when they don’t even live in the country and haven’t for years?

Peter Siosal, Edinburgh

A new system will need support

A LOOK at our history shows how society has changed. For example, from serfdom to what we have now, capitalism.

Rapid industrial development through the 19th century, followed by technical improvements of the 20th century and the digital developments of the 21st have brought problems of trying to manage the vast volume of goods produced – they cannot do so. The only solution they see is to close down places of work.

As in previous centuries, those who own or control the means of production and the land are resisting social change.

In fact, they are trying very hard to undo much of the collective social progress that has been achieved.

The new social system will not automatically come into existence, it has to be shown to be wanted by and to work on behalf of the majority.

A Delahoy, Silverknowes Gardens, Edinburgh