Quote:
Originally Posted by flecc
Sorry to highlight it, but the response in this thread to the Manchester proposal is typical of that British attitude of course. It's why we still have such a rubbish railway system and main road network and why we are now running short of generating capacity, areas where those other countries make us look silly while having their cycling as well.
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It is not that I oppose change I am definitely up for it but I cannot see how the congestion charge has helped. It has certainly hardened up attitudes here in London. I object on the fairness level. When it first started my rather rich friend said how wonderful it was jumping into a taxi (congestion charge free!) and wizzing across London. I pointed out the great number of proles that were either excluded from driving however great their need or having to pay £5 just so that she could have a quick journey. As a good socialist I think she saw the point I was making.
London's implementation is very poor. I don't even think it has even reduced congestion - I think it has moved congestion to other parts. One good thing with the Manchester scheme, to show they are learning, is that it will be in two parts, inner and outer. It is also aimed at rush hour commuting - another positive improvement.
I think Ken lost the plot by bringing in the western extension thus giving a 90% discount for those in it, so they could drive in the inner zone. Result -increased congestion in the inner zone.
At the risk of repeating myself I think if roads can be designed with cyclist in mind then we will encourage cycling. If you ask why people why they don't cycle they respond that it is too dangerous - and they are right. We are still designing stupid roads for cyclists (well here in North London anyway).
Boris has already got things moving here in London as now there is a trial is going ahead allowing cyclists up the one way roads - so they don't have to cycle round the houses as it were. One of the benefit of this was that cycling was discussed on the news for a whole day, mostly positively as well (it mostly showed up the motorists and their organisations as being mean spirited).