In determining solutions to the horror that is Vauxhall gyratory the starting point must be to ask how essential are the journeys that motorists take through Vauxhall and why do they choose to make them?
It took a lot of effort and persuasion for us to prevent an unnecessary one on Saturday. Our daughter had taken the train from Vauxhall to Wimbledon to visit a friend, scheduled to return around 8pm.
The friend's parents were desperate to drive her 'safely' home rather than let her take the train. It took several texts and phone calls between us and them to reach a compromise they found acceptable - they accompanied her on the train and delivered her to us at the barrier.
On the one hand I admire their level of care; on the other my mind boggles at the perception of risk they have about public transport (which we all use routinely) and their lack of appreciation of the impact that their car usage has.
The solution to Vauxhall is stunning in its simplicity. Simply reduce the volume of roadspace and prioritise pedestrian, bus and cycle use. You'll be amazed at how quickly the non-essential motorist will switch modes of transport given a firm enough nudge.
