It is time TfL and London local authorities were called out. Many of the capital’s roads are indeed gridlocked — the direct result of their covert policy over many years, not just fallout from Covid.
They have pulled off the feat of causing increased congestion, journey times and pollution with far fewer vehicles on the road, by closing more key routes. Now they have exploited Covid by shutting off and narrowing even more roads to create extra space for cyclists and pedestrians which is hardly ever used. TfL engineered this to justify their extension of the Congestion Charge Zone, which has deterred potential customers from coming into central London in the evening and at weekends to shop and eat out. Much of the desolation of so many businesses in the West End can be laid at the door of Sadiq Khan at City Hall.
Jeremy Walker WC1E
Editor's reply
Dear Jeremy
You make the assumption that roads are for vehicles. They are not: they are for people.
Yes, road space has been reallocated to enable pedestrians to socially distance and to help keep cyclists safe. Pedestrianising Oxford Street and much of Soho should be next. The answer cannot be for the Covid recovery to be dominated by people getting back in their cars.
As for cycle lanes, they are not “empty” — they are occasionally clear because they are so efficient at allowing people to travel quickly through town. The future has two wheels, not four.
Ross Lydall, City Hall Editor
Wrong time for climate protests
Extinction Rebellion have picked the wrong time to renew their action in London [Comment, September 2]. Disrupting the life of a city reeling from coronavirus is like kicking a man when he’s down and will probably result in even fewer people returning to a capital that desperately needs life.
Stan Labovitch
