Transport and skills vital for the young

SALES of petrol and diesel cars are plumetting as more and more people are switching to new batterypowered cars. These produce zero carbon emissions from their exhausts so that is very good.

Naysayers and carping critics said these things would never happen, but here they are.

Young people seem to be taking to e-scooters. These are on the streets and available for hire – I was told it’s £5 per day or £35 per month, for unlimited use.

So young people can basically hire these for about a pound a day, and if they use them for a ride to somewhere and back that is equal to 50p per ride.

This can work out a lot cheaper than cars or mopeds, or buses! Car commuters coming into Bristol from outlying areas may find they have to switch how they get in and around, using public transport and e-scooters and e-bikes. The walking may do them good, and will certainly be good for our environment.

Maybe it won’t be walking and cycling which revolutionises transport, or a hugely expensive pipedream Metro system – maybe it will be e-scooters.

Since young people have had to pay a very high price with the lockdowns to help protect the elderly, we should ensure that their practical needs are met in the recovery.

That doesn’t mean cash handouts, it means providing the infrastructure they need for life – things life more lanes for e-scooters, and more affordable green homes.

Young people will still need to develop their key skills around numeracy, English language, people skills and digital skills.

Skills, skills, skills are what is needed for the future.

And since young people in Bristol have indeed shown great resilience and flexibility, there is a good future ahead.

Let us ensure we really do “build back better” – and fairer – so that no young person is left behind. That is only right for the sacrifices made for the older generation.

Mark Taylor Bristol