This road is dangerous
But not for the reasons it looks.
Beech Street, in the City of London, became Britain’s first zero carbon street at the start of last year.
A previously polluted underpass became a tranquil cut-through - ideal for cyclists crossing the City.
Moreover, unlike many ‘modal filter’ schemes that prioritise cycling, Beech Street permits buses - as long as they are zero emission.
The 153 became electric in 2018, so everything fits together.
However, there is a looming danger.
Beech Street is tranquil only because there are not, yet, many electric cars.
Private vehicles are a problem not just because they are polluting but because they cause congestion.
There simply isn’t enough space for everyone who wants to travel to do so in a vehicle that takes up 800% more road space than a person would.
And cars still generate vast amount of carbon in production; while batteries are toxic.
Vehicle Excise Duty is eliminated for zero emission vehicles, which makes public transport appear more expensive for electric car users.
It’s great that local authorities want to prioritise greener forms of travel. But it’s also critical that we’re constantly reminding them that the way to promote low emission travel is to promote travel on foot, on bike or on shared mobility like buses and trains.
Do you Tweet? Here’s one ready-made
