I don’t know about you, but I quite like being able to breathe. Particularly when the air is clean. So as we’re a couple of days into the Ultra Low Emission zone, I thought I’d have a look ‘below the line’ on some newspaper websites to see how people were enthusing over someone finally doing something about London’s pollution.
Nobody seems to say that London doesn’t need cleaner air and as yet I haven’t found anyone arguing in favour of more asthma and premature death. There’s also scant praise for the current level of traffic in London. The main objection, if I’m reading it right, is that something should definitely be done about traffic and air quality, but it shouldn’t affect anyone with a car, van, lorry or motorbike.
Apparently, those worst affected will be low-paid people who can afford to run a car, and anyone working in late night hospitality because we don’t have a 24-hour public transport system. Hmm. There’s something off with that logic, but I can’t quite place my finger on it.
The thing is, something needs to happen. I’ve not seen an alternative solution or proposal from anyone moaning about the ULEZ (such a departure from moaning people who are usually so problem-solving in nature). The RAC describe the charge as ”simplistic and anti-motorist”, which I would say is simplistic and anti-intelligent. It’s worth noting that asthma and premature death are fairly simplistic too, and anti-everyone.
Simon manages to dart about London as an estate agent entirely on public transport, and he covers the whole city. So if he can leave his car at home (near Orpington) and do three, four or five appointments in a day, from Clerkenwell to Chiswick and Kilburn to Crystal Palace, and then go home again, I’m sure there are a great number of people who can make a change.
Yes it means breaking a habit, and yes we’re being told what to do. And while there are exceptions to almost every rule, there are solutions to almost every problem that someone will use as their reason why life is different for them.
Life is different for all of us, but we all want to live a long and prosper. And preferably without asthma.
Grabbing Some Air.
Simon Stone
I don’t know about you, but I quite like being able to breathe. Particularly when the air is clean. So as we’re a couple of days into the Ultra Low Emission zone, I thought I’d have a look ‘below the line’ on some newspaper websites to see how people were enthusing over someone finally doing something about London’s pollution.
I don’t know about you, but I quite like being able to breathe. Particularly when the air is clean. So as we’re a couple of days into the Ultra Low Emission zone, I thought I’d have a look ‘below the line’ on some newspaper websites to see how people were enthusing over someone finally doing something about London’s pollution.
About the Author
Simon Stone
Simon Stone has been an estate agent for nearly 30 years. He began his career in South East London, then spent 18 years at the heart of the emerging Shoreditch market, selling countless lofts and warehouse apartments and building a substantial client base. He co-founded the successful estate agency Davey Stone, with branches in Shoreditch, Brick Lane and Broadway Market, which was acquired in March 2016.
His continued passion for distinctive property and interiors now rests firmly with Unique Property Company. Outside of work, you’ll find him trawling travel websites and blogs, or exploring The South Bank with his wife and three children — a journey that always ends at Borough Market.
