With reference to the "filthy state of hospitals" (Evening Times, February 12.) can anyone please explain why it is always "Joe Public" who discovers and uncovers such occurrences?

This is nothing short of gross mismanagement. So why do we pay excellent salaries and conditions to hospital managers, supervisors, administrators when they walk by such sights every day, and it is left to hospital visitors to spot the signs of impending infection etc.

No doubt we will soon be told that "lessons will be learned".

No thanks. Enough's enough.

Let's have the person responsible sacked.Then perhaps others may pay attention. FMK East Kilbride Act now to beat knife crime

WITH more than 500 arrests for carrying knives and other weapons over a two-month period, when will Tony Blair, Cathy Jamieson and all the other politicians start listening to the people and bring in mandatory sentencing?

Three years imprisonment for carrying a knife, first offence, and six years sentence for second offence, and sky's the limit for a third offence.

If the Justice Minister wants results, she must take drastic measures.

Do not wait until more lives are lost.

Act now, build the extra prisons that are required, and make sure the prisons that we do have, are functioning the way that they should.

And no more early release - a life sentence should be exactly that. A WALKER East Renfrewshire Disabled drivers need help

FIRSTLY may I congratulate the Evening Times for the excellent Get Glasgow Moving campaign.

Printing the car registration numbers and shaming drivers is a brilliant idea.

I would like to make a plea on behalf of disabled motorists, and ask that you consider expanding your campaign to include those selfish drivers who park illegally in Disabled Parking Bays.

This is not merely an inconvenience to disabled motorists, but can result in them not being able to park near enough to go to an important appointment - whether it be their GP, optician or dentist - quite apart from them being unable to access shops.

Presently disabled drivers do not have anyone championing their corner. MARY ROBERTSON Glasgow<</h5> Thumbs up for Camelot

I THINK Camelot has made a pretty good job of running the lottery.

And its commitment to help pay for the Olympics should certainly increase its chance of winning.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell's task must be to ensure that Camelot continues to do a good job and is never allowed to become complacent. GEORGE DRUMMOND Govan Take foot off the gas

MOTORISTS could help the environment enormously by taking their foot off the accelerator at lights and at traffic hold-ups. By doing this they would also save their own petrol. J MacDONALD Glasgow Another money-maker

IT'S hardly surprising council chiefs think raising parking charges in Glasgow is a good idea (Evening Times, February 13) instead of road tolls.

They moved quick enough to fit parking meters in practically every area of the city despite the protests of many residents. Time to cash in more! NAME and address supplied 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.