Council praises residents for Big Freeze Bravery

10.26.00pm GMT Thu 14th Jan 2010

H&F News headline this week : "Residents Praised for Big Freeze Bravery". Indeed...

If you read the London Evening Standard you can see what they mean:

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23793945-london-on-slippery-slope-as-thousands-fall-on-icy-pavements.do

"London has seen a record rise in numbers of people slipping and falling on icy pavements after the big freeze, it was revealed today. Figures from the London Ambulance Service showed that freezing temperatures have triggered nearly a doubling in "fall-related" calls.... The area[s] seeing the greatest rate of increase in fall callouts [per day] were Hammersmith and Fulham where they rose from the average of seven to 18..."

It would appear that any resident who chooses to walk in Hammersmith and Fulham is indeed showing exceptional courage, since the council's habitual prioritisation of drivers over pedestrians and cyclists has continued with the allocation of our scarce salt supplies.

Lib Dem campaigners Merlene Emerson and Henrietta Bewley surveyed traders in Askew Road last week, where several people commented on the lack of gritting on the pavements "The pavements in Hammersmith King St and around Fulham Broad way were clear of snow and ice, but Askew Road does not seem to have been gritted at all" . said Henrietta. "Some parts are sheet ice. The lack of gritting on pavements discourages people from using the local shops and it prevents the elderly from coming out of their homes at all".

In a city like London it should not be necessary for everyone to have a car: Getting around by walking, cycling or using public transport should be easy and safe, but gritted roads and icy pavements won't do much to reduce car use.

Related Link:

London Evening Standard - Thousands fall on icy pavements".