EXTRAORDINARY DOCKLANDS
During the early 80s an economic miracle occured in the heart of East London's derelict Docklands, a massive program of re-development took place as the City expanded Eastwards, all was overseen by the London Docklands Development Corporation, headed by Bob Mellish and Reg Ward, as if by magic, a new network of roads, link tunnels, office blocks, Light Railway, and City airport appeared, all at an extraordinary pace of development, new communication links were set in place, and new luxury developments along the Thames were snapped up by buyers as the wealthy investors moved in, 'Canary Wharf' became the catalyst for change and a focus for prosperity in London Docklands.

CAN WE BEAT CITY POLLUTION?
This remarkable Development brought many jobs and proved to be an economic success at the time, but there was also a downside to this as levels of traffic pollution and noise increased, at the time local people were exposed to a massive re-construction of Docklands and no compensation was offered for the disruption in their lives due to construction dust, pollution and noise, so the LDDC were often blamed for causing this turmoil, yet, despite all of this, the development of London Docklands did bring great wealth and many jobs to an area of London that had suffered from deprivation for many years.

LONDON CITY AIRPORT
The creation of a new City Airport in the heart of London was welcomed by local businesses, but manyresidents complained about increased levels of noise and environmental pollution from low-flying aircraft.


ECONOMIC BENEFITS
Despite the downturns, the benefit to East London's economy is plain for all to see, unfortunately, so is increased traffic, noise, and pollution, Much will be blamed on the failure of Politicians to keep their promises to go green, they have been slow to introduce green integrated and efficient Public Transport, the effects of this has been increasing pollution from traffic, which, in turn, has has effected Public health and overburdened our NHS adding huge costs to the exchequer.

SO WHAT ABOUT THE RIVER?
Integrated Public Transport means the River and Canal system too, the Thames has a large network of under-used Canals that both Commercial and Public transport can exploit to the full. All of us will benefit from accessable and affordable integrated transport, hybrid buses and monorails are the latest green technology with low carbon emmission, they are now available at surprisingly low cost:

e.g. Frazer Nash, Metrail has developed a Monorail that could be used to cross the Thames linking greenwich to the northside, it is, not only, very economical since it uses no external source of energy to run, but will pay its way as it will carry goods as well as people across, unlike the currently proposed cablecar crossing which does not, and would be more vulnerable to the high winds of the Thames, Monorails seem to be the long term solution for crowded Cities, e.g. Just one monorail traversing the City of London could replace many hybrid buses making journeys through congested areas, saving time and money. Monorails, without doubt, are the transport of the future, sustainable transport that ticks all the right boxes, the ideal solution for London's overcrowded City.

MORE BICYCLES
Although our busy Roads are hazardous for cyclists more people than ever are 'getting on their bikes' and cycling, there is an increased demand for cycle lanes, bike racks, and car-free zones, at least Boris Johnson got this one right, local people and visitors alike stand to benefit from a car-free environment where traffic and noise will not blight their shopping and sightseeing experience, if this trend is followed, in the long run, legislation can be passed that seperates the pedestrian from dangerous road traffic altogether.

ABOUT THE PEDESTRIAN
Let's face it, no pedestrian enjoys being stuck on a tiny obelisk in the middle of a busy main road waiting for the other half of the traffic lights to turn to red while menacing traffic hurtles past within inches, if brightly lit underpasses with attendant toilets are created people will feel safe to use them, we must encourage pedestrians to use safer routes that include bridges too, all can be linked to their favourite shopping centres.

DAILY THREAT
The London pedestrian daily faces the threat from traffic and endures intolerable levels of exhaust pollution and stress, he or she is put at further risk by ill designed measures to control the traffic chaos in our Cities, Children are especially at risk from traffic accidents while playing on the Streets or leaving school during rush-hours, London is crying out for an imaginative plan to improve the quality of life for its Citizens and visitors, all of whom wish to enjoy this great City of ours.

BLOT ON THE LANDSCAPE
We must rid ourselves of the pollution hazaard from traffic that daily invades our lives and destroys the living environment, road side tests have proved that vehicles stopped by traffic lights create a serious build-up of carbon monoxide, dangerously high levels of combustion toxins not only threaten the health of local people but of vehicle Drivers too.

THE IMPACT ON HEALTH
Consistantly high levels of toxic emissions measured in inner city areas are suspected of having contributed to increasing numbers of School children suffering from Asthma attacks and general poor health.

RESEARCH
Research into Pollution from vehicle exhaust emissions is now well documented and shows that exhausts emit particles of hydro-carbons amongst other harmful substances and carcinogens, once lodged in the lungs they can cause cancer, etc. A number of recent tests proved that levels of pollution measured by London's local Authorities exceeded danger thresholds set by the European Commission, the concentration of high rise building in City centres compounds the problem by trapping dust, fumes and other harmful substances in confined areas.

Long exposure to leaded petrol and diesal fumes may have caused hyper-activity and retardation in children and young adults during the 80s many local applicants for City jobs were turned down for jobs during the Docklands boom period, being described as 'unemployable' by City firms, more urgent research needs to be done on this complex subject.

In America, research produced surprising figures which showed that the inhalation of car exhaust toxins measured over a specific period resulted in far more fatalities than road traffic accidents measured over the same period. So it is urgent that Government acts accordingly to tackle this scourge of inner City traffic pollution which has become an environmental 'blot on the landscape' of progress.

SHARING ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Government must take on the challenge of inner City environmental polution, signing up to high minded decrees at World Conference centres like Rio, Kyoto, and Copenhagen, are not enough if the threat to sustainability from man-made pollution and its effects on the living environment are not addressed, the fact is, many Local Authorities, Developers, Planners and Politicians still continue to shun their responsibilities to the local Environment.

For the sake of short term gain promises made by politicians at 'Agenda 21' conferences have not been kept, gas guzzling vehicles on our roads continue to be given priority in their plans and considerations, over greener alternative concepts that would improve the environment and create healthier 'people friendly' Cities.

COMMUNITY PROPOSAL FOR A RADICAL PLAN OUR RADICAL PROPOSAL London communities propose a radical plan that would improve their Inner City environment dramatically simply by removing traffic lights on select major routes in and out of the City, (this idea has also been proposed by London's Mayor Boris Johnson) Traffic Control Lights can be replaced with roundabouts and regulating speed cameras on selected main routes allowing 'free-flowing' traffic to reduce driver stress and daily snarl-ups that damage the environment and make people late for work, it would also eliminate the urge for drivers to rat-run through London's residential areas, bringing pollution and danger of accidents to our local streets. Too many traffic-lights slow and stop traffic, thereby building up the levels of pollution. Frequently stopped or slowed drivers tend to become agitated, a frustrated driver might suddenly decide to 'rat-run' through a residential side street in order to avoid the main route congestion, this driver is stressed and in a hurry, it is not good news, he or she can easily cause a serious accident, research shows that stressed drivers will often exhibit aggressive behaviour towards other road users, the Press has reported an alarming increase of 'road rage incidents in recent years.. Every year people are killed crossing busy main roads, pedestrians must be encouraged to use safer crossing routes, brightly lit underpasses with attendant toilets, and surveilance cameras, this would encourage people to use these safer routes without the, often exagerated, fear of being mugged. Linking the pedestrian directly to his shopping precincts with more underpasses or bridges, would allow traffic to flow with fewer delays, drivers would benefit by getting to work on time with far less stress, wouldn't it be great news for the economy too? not to mention the improved environment, which would be especially noticeable in the residential areas, imagine, no more rat-runs. Enhancing City life for commuters, visitors, shoppers and local residents will save money too, and improve the general Public health. It must become a top priority for any Government Minister or local Authority if we are ever to tackle the growing threat of climate change and save our planet, If these simple remedies sound like 'Utopia' read on, because reducing man made pollution with simple integrated schemes can work, both economically and socially, all that is required is the political will to act, and act fast. STOP AND SHOP The introduction of 'Shop and Stop' drive in bays carved into wider pavements along many busy shopping routes would be a boon to ailling small businesses, passing drivers would be able to park in these off road bays for a short period of shopping time at minimal cost, they cannot do that at present without causing congestion on busy routes by parking on restricted yellow lines and then getting penalty tickets. Stop and Shop ARE ROAD HUMPS OBSOLETE? No more rat-runs would mean no need for road humps, they were originally designed to discourage rat-run drivers from speeding in built-up areas, unfortunately they often fail to protect local citizens A driver in a hurry, coming off a busy thoroughfare and taking a short-cut through a residential area is likely to increase the risk of accident. GET RID OF THEM Local pedestrians expect humps to slow traffic so they tend to cross the street under a false sense of security, drivers in a hurry tend to accelerate between road humps, badly designed '3 in a row' humps encourage approaching vehicles to jockey for position in order to cross over them, they are dangerous and a complete waste of taxpayers money, they should be removed forthwith. INVESTING THE BIG SAVINGS Discarded traffic-lights, road-humps (did we hear you cheer?) and cut Journey times would save huge sums of money, this could be invested in creating a modern integrated and efficient Public Transport system that this great City desperately needs, City dwellers, commuters, visitors, and local residents would greatly benefit from more money for the environment, with more greenery and trees being planted along kerbsides, more 'people friendly' areas for relaxing and shopping in, all helping to enhance the quality of life for everyone. The green challenge is to start NOW and build a sustainable future.

NOW ABOUT CONGESTION CHARGING
Previous Mayor Ken Livingstone introduced congestion charging amid concern that it might further increase snarl-ups and pollution, some felt a devious politician might abuse it by encouraging even more vehicles to enter the city, so far, the jury is still out, it is claimed initial administration difficulties have been overcome, and it may be introduced in other Cities of the UK, We hope that all monies received will be wisely invested in efficient modern Public Transport for London.

BEECHING AND MARPLES ERA
The promised vision of efficient integrated and reliable Public Transport still seems a long way off, elected Politicians must keep their promises and introduce a transport system worthy of this great City, we mus be rid of the residues of the 'Beeching and Marples' era. Meanwhile Public health continues to be effected by intolerably high levels of pollution from vehicle emissions as politicians debate on how to achieve a Public Transport System fit for the people of London. After so long, isn't it time to invest in a Public Transport system worthy of this great City?

HYBRIDS
When it comes to Public Health radical solutions are already being taken by manufacturers of vehicles, the desperate need to reduce dangerous emission levels from Traffic pollution is obvious, while City GPs struggle to take on extra patients, many with respiratory problems, etc. the urgent need for action NOW is underlined to improve the City environment and general Public health.

MORE ABOUT NEW TECHNOLOGY
In the long run, car exhaust Pollution from the internal combustion engine threatens everyone's health, whether we live, work or play, in the City, fortunately, New 'green' car technology is being developed. Many leading Companies are beginning to diversify by investing in environmentally friendly vehicles, NEW technology means cars can run on gas or electric cells (or both) with good results, City pollution has become a scourge, it brings poor health to everyone and drains the resources of The National Health Service, and makes no economic sense at all.

WORKING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Improving environmental health depends on positive action by Government, Working for a sustainable future is the only choice worth contemplating for a healthy, happy, and prosperous future.

MAKING THE CHOICE
We cannot afford to over-burden the National Health Service with illnesses due to a poor inner City environment. it must be clear, even to a simpleton, that the continued use of that infernal combustion engine in our Cities, will lead us no-where, we must all make the choice to work for a sustainable future, the technology that exists today can greatly improve our quality of life, it requires some courage to act for a sustainable future, but there is no other alternative worth contemplating.

To sustain a Planet fit for habitation, leadership 'while thinking Globally' must also 'act locally' to enhance the City environment in accordance with the principals of agenda21 and Kyoto.....

Say NO to Le Belching CAR!

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