I visited London today, and it’s such a pleasure as a pedestrian compared to the home counties. I’m really tired of the never-ending traffic, pollution, and cars blocking the sidewalks. I live in a neighboring county, right on the border. Despite having decent public transport (including some TFL services), cars dominate the roads here. Pavements are often lined with parked cars, there’s constant traffic, and speeding vehicles make it difficult for wheelchair users to get around.
However, in London—specifically in Islington and Kings Cross—I didn’t encounter any of these issues. The traffic, even in busy areas like Kings Cross, felt much more manageable. I’m not sure what’s changed (maybe the ULEZ?), but it’s definitely a positive development. I just wish my area would adopt a similar approach.
It sounds like you had a great day in London! It really is amazing how pedestrian-friendly the city can be, especially in areas like Islington and King’s Cross. The emphasis on reducing traffic and pollution, along with ULEZ, definitely seems to be making a difference. It must be frustrating to deal with the conditions you describe in your area, especially the challenges for wheelchair users. Hopefully, more places start to prioritize walkability and public transport like London has, so everyone can enjoy safer and cleaner streets. Fingers crossed for positive changes in your community too!