Fact or Fiction

Fact

Everything in this column is verifiable

1.3 million bikes bought since lockdown

Check out the following in the Greater London Assembly’s report Health Impact of Cars in London

Croydon Household car ownership 67%

2,324 people were killed or seriously injured (KSI) on London streets in road traffic collisions in 2013

5,900 deaths per year in London due to long-term exposure to NO2 (estimate)

3,500 deaths per year in London due to long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) (estimate)

1.6 million car trips per day, made by London residents, could potentially be walked (22% of car trips)

2.7 million car trips per day, made by London residents, could potentially be cycled (38% of car trips)

Children living in households
without access to a vehicle are:

• 2.3 times more likely to walk to school
• 1.4 times more likely to walk outside the school commute on a weekday during term time
• 1.8 times more likely to walk during the summer or weekends.

Fiction

An answer to some of the myths you find on social media

Myth: Supporters of the LTN want ALL drivers to stop using their cars for journeys under 5km (67% of all journeys)

Answer: we would like MOST drivers who can EASILY walk or cycle to try it. This would leave the roads much clearer for those who cannot, such as disabled people or essential services

Myth: Pollution will only be moved from the residential roads to the main roads

Answer: It will until people’s habits change. The LTN will encourage people to walk and cycle because residential streets will be safer and journeys on main roads will be more unpleasant. Eventually traffic has a tendency to evaporate.