We should take air pollution as seriously as we take the pandemic. It causes a wide range of terrible conditions. But once again, the government fails to protect us.
theguardian.com/environment/20…
theguardian.com/environment/20…
If anything, social norms, unchecked by either public information campaigns or law enforcement, are heading in the wrong direction.
I seldom used to see people sitting in their parked cars with the engines idling. Now it's everywhere.
I seldom used to see people sitting in their parked cars with the engines idling. Now it's everywhere.
It's madness. I see drivers looking at their phones with the engine running, wasting fuel and creating a cloud of toxic smoke. On my way home, 30 minutes later, they're still at it.
Perhaps they're texting their friends to complain about the cost of petrol.
Perhaps they're texting their friends to complain about the cost of petrol.
When you're a pedestrian or a cyclist, your needs are disregarded by the government and local authorities. But as soon as you step into a car, the red carpet is rolled out for you. You are granted money, space and rights that pedestrians don't get.
The police turn a blind eye to the #EverydayCrime of motoring: speeding, idling, excessive noise, parking across pavements and cycle lanes.
Uniquely, these crimes are widely tolerated, committed by millions every day and seldom prosecuted. Yet they have real impacts on the lives of others. What is it about driving that grants such impunity?
I was once told by a taxi driver that anyone who commits a crime should be locked up.
"No ifs, no buts, no fines, no suspensions. Lock 'em up and throw away the key."
"Any crime?"
"Yes."
"Like doing 37 in a 30 zone, as you're are right now?"
He didn't say a word after that.
"No ifs, no buts, no fines, no suspensions. Lock 'em up and throw away the key."
"Any crime?"
"Yes."
"Like doing 37 in a 30 zone, as you're are right now?"
He didn't say a word after that.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
