Deaf ears

As if we didn’t already know, we are failing our children on air pollution, according to the European Environment Agency. Polluted air causes the premature death of at least 1200 children across Europe every year, as well as untold developmental damage to survivors. Solutions that would make an immediate difference go unheeded by politicians and media alike. Changing the rules of the road – so we could approach gently and take it sociably in turns rather than be forced to stop, idle and restart – would not only cut lethal exhaust emissions but lethal brake dust too. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve pitched this coherent set of proposals to deaf ears in transport authorities and the media. In addition to cutting emissions, journey time and “accidents”, it would make roads genuinely safe. It would civilise the public realm, and save tens of billions currently wasted on the system of counterproductive regulation and its adherents. Meanwhile the avoidable casualty toll mounts.