| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Occupation Lane | Forum Home |
| Posted by: | Raymond Havelock | |
| Date/Time: | 27/06/20 10:42:00 |
| The assumption is that ALL people driving simply get into their cars and drive a short distance. There has not been one survey on what people actually use a car for. With so many businesses now looking at moving out of this part of London and relocating to areas of lower costs and space to expand many will have no choice but to return to using a car just to commute. Is it really responsible to make things as awkward as possible and thus damage what limited down time residents have for normal life? What are the consequences of seeing families less and not being able to get things done? All this has to be factored in. It is not a twee world with people working from a laptop and carrying no more than a small bag to work. Clearly those who advocate this initiatives don't carry anything to work or have others to look after. I wish! Not everyone can walk or cycle safely or any sort of distance. We all live a lot longer but that does not mean our faculties last longer. Hips Knees and joints , Arthritis affects 1 in 3 over 60 and that's just one of many ailments that begin to restrict easy movement. Years ago people did not live long enough to enjoy retirement. Many just ended up pretty much confined to home and the furthest they got was a local shop or the post office. That now means a far longer journey just to find a Post Office. Pavements in most of this district are appalling in Both ealing and Hounslow boroughs. Falls are common for those who can't drive and back streets still poor with potholes and ruts. and the slime from Lime tree lines roads makes cycling really hazardous in the wet and dark. You've got to be on your toes all the time when out on the bike is several streets. But no-one knows what people use their cars for . What they carry? Far too many assumptions are made. I walk, cycle and drive all based on what the needs are. I take people to hospital appointments or my wife does, we've always done that. We used to take a blind couple to Victoria Coach station for years for their annual holiday. That stopped because the charges are to much to bear. They found taxis too costly and the tube and bus impossible with luggage and they aged like all of us. But these are all part of older life . If you are fit and fully able then you are lucky but for many working hard with little time spare takes it's toll and for many using a car is the only way to have some semblance of having a reasonable quality of life and attend to family needs. For many walking or cycling is desirable but impractical. |