Need for real change of mindset on transport

The role of cars in our society has become increasingly contentious over recent years, with the growing threat of climate change. Cars and other vehicles have helped cause much damage. There have been efforts as a result to restrict their usage, as well as provide less damaging vehicles, powered by electricity. The progress of the electric car has been a major step forward over recent years, though critics point to the damage in climate terms that producing such a vehicle can cause. The car ofcourse has become a major mode of transport over the past 100 years. It has liberated so many people's lives but at a cost. In the intolerant, divided society of today, it is often difficult to have a reasoned debate about car usage. It rapidly descends into a pro and anti debate. The way forward is probably a middle way. We cannot go on destroying the air that we breath and the life source that we depend upon. Nor can there be a sudden withdrawal of a means of travel that so many still depend upon. Other forms of getting around need to be improved to help reduce the need for car usage. The London Mayor's active travel target of 80% of journeys being by foot, cycle or public transport by 2041 is something all must get behind. People will only get out of their cars, though, if these other means of transport are made cheaper and easier. The recent rearrangement of the bus timetables in this area have not helped. Transport For London (TFL) claim numbers using the old routes are down on pre-Covid levels, while the costs of providing the service are up. Data drives change. Critics claim that TFL have not listened and people who used the bus as a vital means of travel are now unable to do so. Hopefully, matters can be resolved. Councillors and our Leyton and Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey have been involved in trying to get TFL to adjust it's plans. A great plus in public transport has been the addition of the Elizabeth Line. Quick, efficient and comfortable, it has to represent a travel model for the future. Cycle infrastructure has been rolling out across London, making this form of transport more accessible and safer. Clean air ofcourse is an important catalyst in encouraging more people to cycle. The introduction of congestion and the Ultra Low Emission Zones have been important moves in progressing the cause of clean air. So too have been school streets schemes. So there is much going on to encourage more active travel, which will also bring a fitter, healthier population as well in the long run. So there are many positive things happening to encourage a real modal change in how people get around. But there is still a long way to go if that 80% target is to be achieved.