Why eco warriors should walk home
AS SOMEONE whose livelihood is in public transport — I have been a London taxi driver for more than 50 years and am a Blue Badge tourist guide — I do agree with Extinction Rebellion’s climate change protesters. Therefore, to engage myself with their policies and disruption of traffic, I would suggest they make their way home on foot after the demonstration. All public transport that isn’t electric — trains, buses, taxis, planes, cars and ferries — should boycott them and refuse to allow them to board. This will give their environmental protests more resonance. I’m sure walking along the highways and motorways will be a positive statement. Have a good journey. GERALD NATHANSON, Chigwell, Essex. I AGREE with the protesters’ concern about climate change, but do not agree with the way they are going about getting their message across. They have no practical answers, yet demand that the Government talk to them. Some of my solutions would really get hypocritical protesters on the streets to protest when faced with a vastly reduced lifestyle. It is so convenient to ask Mum or Dad to drop you in town to meet your friends for a night out. Practise what you preach and walk, cycle, use public transport or stay at home. How many cars do the families of the protesters own? My solution to protect the environment is to limit ownership to only one car per household by charging a tax of £1,000 (electric cars exempt) for additional vehicles. Similarly, how about an annual air miles allowance? How many protesters would be prepared to give up their long-distance gap years in exchange for a staycation break at the British seaside in Devon, Cornwall, Skegness or Great Yarmouth? It would also help if celebrities stopped posting narcissistic selfies bragging about their exotic holidays. Or is it a case of do as I say, but not as I do?
P. W. GOODMAN, Plymouth, Devon.