We can’t just wait for electric cars

THE population of Ashbourne is roughly 8,000. The combined population of the surrounding villages is about 5,000 and, before long, a new housing estate on the old airfield site will add another 3,000.

So while the 8,000 residents of Ashbourne can happily walk to the shops, the 8,000 who live beyond the town but who rely upon its shops and services, will continue to use a motor vehicle.

It is unrealistic to assume that in some way we can stop heavy traffic passing through the town.

But it is realistic to assume that in 12 years’ time there will be an exponential rise in the number of electrically-powered vehicles on the roads.

When that happens the pollution problem will be largely solved. Until then we must find a way to get traffic moving through the town as quickly as possible.

It is unwise to judge the effects of the new ‘low traffic measures’ in Compton, Dig Street and St John Street solely by the last eight months.

The reality will hit home during the summer months and we do not have long to wait. Traffic lights have the effect of creating long queues of polluting vehicles.

They help pedestrians to cross the road of course but not if their health is severely impaired by simply walking alongside a traffic jam.

Now we can all be vaccinated against Covid-19 the threat from vehicle pollution is far greater. However, abolishing the 8,000 potential customers from surrounding villages will do very little for the commercial viability of the shops.

Charles Swabey Osmaston