Embankment car ban is to be welcomed

I AM compelled to reply to Paul Rowe (“Embankment closure is a waste of money”, Opinion, March 20) concerning Victoria Embankment. As a resident of this unique area for many years, I can assure him that it is not “a waste of money” to return the area to parkland – as it was designated when gifted to the city. The road itself is unadopted and is not a public highway.

The huge increase in walkers, joggers, cyclists and rollerskaters enjoying this unique area during the shutdown has been a pleasure to witness. It is clear that people have fallen back in love with the peace and tranquillity of the river and the green parkland, and it has been an area of solace for many during the lockdown periods.

During the first lockdown last year, before the closure, it became a racetrack for motorbikes, cars and quad bikes – with and without licence plates. It was a nightmare, here and in the old Meadows, as speeding and racing were daily. As a parkland, the police do not have the same jurisdiction as a public road and therefore it was difficult for them to manage it – despite many, many occasions when it was needed.

The claim that the closure changes a five-minute journey into 20 minutes is sheer nonsense. I regularly drive from Trent Bridge to Castle Marina, taking about 10 minutes via London Road and Queen’s Drive. Undoubtedly the partial closure of Clifton Bridge has also caused The Meadows to be used as a cut-through, but when the bridge is fully reopened, this will lessen. It should never be the reason to further damage one of the most iconic and beautiful areas in the city.

The proposal allows for plenty of parking along the Embankment and easy access to the war memorial. As has been stated by the council, they also intend to keep the facility for parking for the football and cricket grounds, a very good revenue for them, as well as a benefit to the supporters. I commend the council for trying to return a green and safe free space for all.

John Roskalns Nottingham