Today it snowed for a couple of hours across the capital. Proper big snowflakes that quickly covered the frozen ground. The sort of snow that enticed even teenagers out of the house to have some fun. For some small children, this was their first sight of a snowy world. And probably for everyone the sight of a white landscape brings a little magic to an otherwise fairly miserable January.
But my enjoyment of this beautiful day has been marred by the sight of dozens of 4×4 vehicles parked, cold and covered in snow. What is the matter with you, 4×4 owners? Today is your big day! Your chance to show off, to put your beloved tractor to the test, to munch up those slippery streets. Where is your usual nonchalance? You urban folk who insist on driving Range Rovers and Jeeps and giant Audis despite living in a city that enjoys 100% paved roads and a comprehensive public transport system and also has illegal air pollution levels – surely you want to get out there and put your foot down!
Let’s say, for argument’s sake, that these snowy conditions affect London once a year (probably an overestimate). That is 0.27% of the year. So, for 99.73% of the year, that off-road capability is redundant.
But never mind, because you look really cool driving your children around the corner to school and acting like there is no climate crisis WHATSOEVER.
Bye bye car. Hello clean, friendly city 