Forum Topic

Why are there so many more CARS on the road?

I get that there are vans and trucks delivering stuff. And quite a few empty buses. And a few cars taking people to essential work in hospitals etc. But today there seems to be an increase in the number of cars? Why?Nick

Nicholas Evans ● 2393d14 Comments

I've noticed that. I guess some people just want to get out of the house for a bit.Another thing I've noticed is a total lack of junk mail.

Simon Knight ● 2393d

Even on Good Friday I was surprised at the number of cars on the road. We had to use a Zipcar to get Ms Felicity to the emergency vets in Richmond (on the instructions of our normal vet that we shouldn't wait). I was surprised by the number of cars around at midday; ok, morning and evening there'd be essential workers going to and from work, perhaps a few at other times but were they ALL going shopping? (In case anyone's worried Felicity says it was worth the trip although she prefers the vet to visit her ...)https://flic.kr/p/2iTy5UG

Michael Ixer ● 2392d

And that's the thing. If you're stopped by plod you just say "I'm going shopping".Personally I don't see why a quick outing in the car for a change of scene is a big deal; I mean sitting in a metal box, windows up and air con on; how much more isolated could one be?

Simon Knight ● 2392d

If there's any softening of the lockdown, traffic will get significantly worse as people choose to avoid public transport.

Peter Evans ● 2392d

I've noticved that too this week.  Perhaps the first sign of people starting to become fed up with the restrictions?

Craig Fordham ● 2392d

Simon I agree, only need to go to Richmond or Twickenham and drive back, no need to get out of your vehicle.

Barbara Stevens ● 2392d

Hancock was asked whether the rise in traffic was a symptom of people getting fed-up with lockdown during today’s DS briefing. He totally failed to answer. Which probably means it is.Nick

Nicholas Evans ● 2392d

More car accidents.

Philippa Bond ● 2392d

Not everybody is covered by the furlough scheme and have hungry mouths to feed, rent to pay and sanity to maintain. Corona only has a 1% mortality rate so many will just take their chances especially if they are young. Don't blame them. Unless you want to cough up the £s.

Imbuzi Yentaba ● 2392d

Hello Nick, We went out this morning, and what a glorious morning it was!!!!  Putney Heath and Wimbledon Common looked magnificent with the trees showing their magnificent young leaves — really uplifting and inspiring! We went to Wimbledon Village and got take away coffees and croissants from Paul.  They were absolutely delicious!!   We drove round the Common opposite Cannizaro Park, really beautiful!  No parking anywhere there except for NHS staff — bravo!!  Also, all the benches there were taped up.  Some people were sitting on the ground but 98% of them were walking, running or playing!   The difference a sunny day makes!!  :-) :-). Was this an essential trip?  Well, we did go to the butchers too.  Perhaps some people will gasp in horror that we went out.  But we felt so much better when we got back home, with big smiles on our faces.  It really lifted our spirits tremendously and am delighted an happier for it.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2392d

"Hancock was asked whether the rise in traffic was a symptom of people getting fed-up with lockdown during today’s DS briefing. He totally failed to answer. Which probably means it is."I get the impression, when cycling around (and looking at the news), that there is a slow change. Personally, as someone in an age-group which is threatened with death about one hundred times as much as people under 40, I'll be rather backward in stepping forward. I shall also watch, with a fatal fascination, developments in the USA.

David Ainsworth ● 2392d

*Claps*.I agree. Have I sat on benches/grass: no. Have I tried to keep 2 metres from people when I can: yes. Am I lucky to be younger of age with no health issues: yes.  Is my desire to keep so stringently to these measures waning: yes.Did I go out to Coop today to get dinner tonight yep, will I go out again today to pick up some alcohol yep. I'll probably go for a run as well.I do think in last few days there are more cars however I'm starting to want to get back to some form of normality by that I mean seeing friends / traveling / restaurants/shops being open (ideally pubs by 13 June).

Gabrielle O'Mahoney ● 2392d

Hi Gabrielle,Your day pretty much mirrors my own. I obviously follow the 2m rule albeit once in Sainsburys that's not entirely possible.But after 4 plus weeks of lockdown we're all starting to get a tad restless. You, me and everybody I know have zero problem with the 2m rule. Unfortunately as ever rules are made for the lowest common denominator.Year 2050: Daughter doing history homework.Daddy, What are pubs?

Simon Knight ● 2392d

I reckon when things begin to lighten up there'll be far more traffic on the roads as people feel safer in their own cars and remain nervous about using public transport.  Crammed into a bus or tube? Sitting in a carriage full of strangers on a train for five hours? Breathing the same recirculated air as 250 others on a aeroplane? I can't see it catching on for some time, and like so much else, I wonder why we ever put up with it!

Peter Evans ● 2391d