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 caused a lot of damage.
Efforts have been made to restrict their usage including the development of electric vehicles although critics point to the damage in climate terms that producing such a vehicle can cause.
The car has become a major mode of transport over the past 100 years. It has liberated 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 breathe 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 made by foot, cycle or public transport by 2041 is something all must get behind.
The recent rearrangement of the bus timetables in this area has not helped. Transport For London (TfL) claim numbers using the old routes are down on pre-Covid levels, while the costs of providing the services 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 its plans.
A great plus in public transport has been the addition of the Elizabeth Line. Quick, efficient and comfortable, it must represent a travel model for the future.
Cycle infrastructure has been rolling out across London, making it more accessible and safer.
Clean air of course 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 Street 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.
Many positive things are 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.
- Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).
