James’s Blog: The art of tube strike newspaper reading
Whilst packed into an overcrowded tube-strike affected train yesterday, newspaper opened out with origami-style precision, I just about managed to read an article in the London Evening Standard that said private sales of new cars dipped a massive 38% in August, compared to the same period last year. Yes, the scrappage scheme was in full-steam back then, but only to prop up massively reduced sales. This is another clear sign that that people are continuing to try and save money where they can, and the popularity of car clubs has undoubtedly played a key role. Almost 140,000 people are now registered as a car club member in the UK, and this figure is doubling year on year.
Is this the demise of the privately owned car? Well no, not in the short term at least. Car ownership in city centres is, however, really being questioned these days though. Especially as there are more and more viable alternatives such as improved public transport, increased numbers of cycle lanes and far more car club cars available.
So while this news shouldn’t cause car manufacturers to get hot under the collar, the same certainly couldn’t be said for the temperature on the train. Think I’ll be taking a Boris Bike next time…
