I read somewhere that the 30kph (20ish mph) limits in France are pockets of higher pollution as engines emit more muck at low speeds and that the engine is less efficient at low speeds so increases consumption of fuel.
Nevertheless, they are increasing here and Paris is introducing a 30kph limit on all roads except the Périphérique in a bid to try and persuade drivers onto public transport or cycling or walking. It's also clearly safer than 50kph/30mph for any pedestrian or cyclist in collision with a car. I will never take a car to Paris so it's academic for me.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Bath is surrounded by very steep hills so the pollution tends to hang around, one of the worst places in the country. The 20mph limit makes no sense to me, you may save one child's life but you are slowly killing the rest. We have no bypass as the geology doesn't allow it so the traffic has no choice but to criss-cross the city.
They are hoping to change all cars over to electric at some point, that will cut down on the pollution. I wish people would get together and car share more, or at least work their journeys out so they don’t have to drive so often, not people with driving jobs of course. I know of a few people who jump in the car for a pint of milk and loaf. That’s unnecessary. Most people have a freezer these days.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
My parents drive a five mile round trip every day to buy a loaf of bread and a newspaper. You can't convince them to read the news online though. This is my last week of having to drive the kids to forest school though and then/school they're starting free childcare in walking distance. I'll be saving £200 a week
If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
Way back in the late 70s we used to run a camping weekend in Brixham. We loved one restaurant there and 4 of us seriously considered driving down there one weekend for a meal and driving back. We worked out it would cost us about £1.50 each for petrol. Round trip of about 270 miles, and petrol at about 90p per gallon (not litre). Those were the days.
It costs me £120 to fill my car so never let it get lower than half a tank. My nearest supermarket is 23 miles away but only go every 2 weeks. My nearest small shop is a 10 mile round trip. It's been my theory for a while now that the more fuel goes up the less we use and the happier the government is.
@Uff The counter argument is never to fill you tank over half full in order to save weight and therefore fuel. Not exactly practical when you have a 50 mile round trip to fill up.
I have to admit I always fill the tank, and always have the aircon running. I like to have cool air on my face, even in cold weather. The aircon in the car has two zones so I can have cold and the boss can have warmer.
@KT53 a friend said that it's better just to have half a tank but it just wouldn't be practical up here and I couldn't possibly drive a round trip to fill up, it's all factored in with shopping, and appointments etc. It's my choice to live here so I have to grin and bear it. This area more than makes up for inconveniences anyway.
Posts
Nevertheless, they are increasing here and Paris is introducing a 30kph limit on all roads except the Périphérique in a bid to try and persuade drivers onto public transport or cycling or walking. It's also clearly safer than 50kph/30mph for any pedestrian or cyclist in collision with a car. I will never take a car to Paris so it's academic for me.
We have no bypass as the geology doesn't allow it so the traffic has no choice but to criss-cross the city.
I know of a few people who jump in the car for a pint of milk and loaf. That’s unnecessary. Most people have a freezer these days.