Getting clean air means taking some tough choices

People want cleaner air and a better environment in which to bring up their children but some appear unwilling to make the sacrifices required to bring that situation about. The most obvious example of this contradiction is the attitude to car travel. In Wanstead, people cry out for cleaner air, more biodiversity and combatting climate change. Yet, many also seem to want virtually no limitation on their ability to drive everywhere. The car lobby is often loud. I remember years ago, when the Conservatives ran the council, they shut the gate on Overton Drive to stop through traffic. The move was perfectly logical and supposed to happen, following completion of the M11 Link Road - the traffic staying on the main arteries, rather than cutting through side roads. There was uproar, with petitions demanding the gate was opened. Angry area meetings took place. The council backed down. More recently, there was the introduction of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) across Wanstead, with limited stopping periods on the high street. Again, the drive everywhere lobby was out. This would be the end of life as we knew it, Wanstead would turn into a desert town. None of which ofcourse happened. A reduced scheme was introduced, more people could park to go to the shops, the high street prospered and residents now petition for CPZ schemes in their roads. The most recent opposition to car restrictions has come regarding the introduction of school streets schemes. These schemes stop people driving right up to the front door of schools for the period of drop off and pick up. A few hours a day. A small price to pay for the well being of our children's lungs and limbs. Some school street schemes have gone through, others not. Wanstead is a green and pleasant place, marred in part by road traffic. Beautiful walks such as along the River Roding are tainted by the roar of traffic and spread of pollution from the nearby A406. If we really do want to create a cleaner, greener area, there has to be change. We cannot go on driving everywhere, polluting and destroying people's health. There is a place for the car, for some this form of travel is an absolute necessity but not all. There is also the welcome development of electric cars. A number of active travel schemes have been introduced across London, with varying degrees of success. The car lobby has never been slow to mobilise to oppose any attempt to restrict their right of movement. Media too has been quick to amplify the loudest voices of opposition. Modal change though will mean more active travel, less. car and air travel, more walking, cycling and use of public transport alternatives. The other option is to continue poisoning ourselves and the planet to death.