Grumpy Old Men and the Congestion Charge
December 18th 2009 05:23
I wish we could see the TV series Grumpy Old Men here in Canada.
I have the audiobooks and I agree with almost everything the author Stuart Prebble finds irritating, from inconsiderate drivers to the terrible customer service found almost everywhere, and the overall lack of good manners in places where one ought reasonably to expect some higher level of courtesy.
But... on the matter of the Congestion Charge, we must agree to disagree.
Stuart apparently drives to London, in fact it sounds like he goes right into the City, to work. I'm just drawing inferences, but it does sound like he has to get into the zone of the Congestion Charge, where he complains about the lack of parking.
If I were in his position, I might object too, but actually, I think not.
One of the many great things about London is the public transportation system. You do not need a car to get around.
One of the less great things is the air quality.
When I last visited, I noticed a definite improvement in the air, in the noise levels, and in the ease of getting around on foot in the touristy parts. My friend and I took a while to put 2 and 2 together, but finally figured out this was thanks to the Congestion Charge.
Sorry Stuart, but it's good medicine for London. Your lungs and ears will thank you, and so will your children. Please don't be grumpy about cutting down on car use. It really does make things better.
I have the audiobooks and I agree with almost everything the author Stuart Prebble finds irritating, from inconsiderate drivers to the terrible customer service found almost everywhere, and the overall lack of good manners in places where one ought reasonably to expect some higher level of courtesy.
But... on the matter of the Congestion Charge, we must agree to disagree.
Stuart apparently drives to London, in fact it sounds like he goes right into the City, to work. I'm just drawing inferences, but it does sound like he has to get into the zone of the Congestion Charge, where he complains about the lack of parking.
If I were in his position, I might object too, but actually, I think not.
One of the many great things about London is the public transportation system. You do not need a car to get around.
One of the less great things is the air quality.
When I last visited, I noticed a definite improvement in the air, in the noise levels, and in the ease of getting around on foot in the touristy parts. My friend and I took a while to put 2 and 2 together, but finally figured out this was thanks to the Congestion Charge.
Sorry Stuart, but it's good medicine for London. Your lungs and ears will thank you, and so will your children. Please don't be grumpy about cutting down on car use. It really does make things better.
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