• ONE might have some sympathy with our taxi driver friends if they had ever shown even an inkling of support for dealing with the crisis on our roads.

Too many vehicles causing too many collisions and some of the worst air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Instead they have been the first to object to any scheme which tries to ameliorate these problems.

Their objections to the excellent Bank scheme to clear traffic from the area and create world class public realm is appalling in view of the death of a cyclist which prompted the City to act.

Their continued objection to the brilliant Embankment Cycle Superhighway is laughable and typifies the taxi trade being completely out of touch with the reality of modern transport planning where the pedestrian, cyclist and public transport come first and not those in vehicles who are causing all the problems.

Of course, those who are disabled need taxis but I am sure not one disabled person would complain about spending a little longer on their journey if they knew that millions of Londoners will benefit from the huge number of people-friendly environmental schemes which are now planned.

We have had too many people killed and seriously injured and too many dying prematurely from awful pollution to ignore these casualties any longer.

With the greatest respect I suggest that the taxi trade comes on board with the rest of society and not be the dinosaurs in the discussion. They are making fools of themselves and its not a very pleasant sight.

PETER HARTLEY
Chair, Westminster Living Streets