please empty your brain below
I wasn't too bothered by the toilet roll but all the cultural institutions closing is another matter altogether. I was looking forward to going to the Barbican on Good Friday but an now waiting for a refund.

ganching | Homepage | 18.03.20 - 7:46 a.m. | #

Of course it matters. There is life beyond covid 19, and humanity will pick itself up and dust itself down afterwards. We hope it will then address other big challenges like global heating and pollution control.

Meanwhile we will all do our best to help each other. Among which efforts your blog, DG, will remain a highlight of many people's morning. I'm already looking forward to learning more about your within-walking-distance neighbourhood, along with puzzles, thoughful pieces, and whatever else you offer us.

Malcolm | 18.03.20 - 8:40 a.m. | #

Firstly let second Malcolm's comment - yes, it matters, because there will be life after the Covid-19 pestilence, and things will return to normal (whenever and whatever that may be)

And in my appreciation of your eclectic blog - part of my morning ritual.

But something on the subject in hand.

I wonder how successful the access only restrictions for non-compliant vehicles will be. And whether it is system that could be used more widely else - possibly it might be an alternative solution to the Wapping Liveable Streets issue (see your blog on the Wapping Bus Gate last November). So you would have 'Access Zones', with exit via a different route prohibited within a specified time unless authorised

Jeremy GH | 18.03.20 - 9:50 a.m. | #

I'm guessing that blue McLaren in the last picture is not a zero emission vehicle

Ian | 18.03.20 - 10:07 a.m. | #

Benefits to the environment will indeed be the silver lining and hopefully we won't got completely 'back to normal' again.
On the other hand, many major conferences on climate change will have to be cancelled which is not good news unless a work-around can be found - which to be honest should really be the default anyway!

Cornish Cockney | 18.03.20 - 10:33 a.m. | #

On the Today programme today.

Lives lost in China due to Corona Virus: 30,000. Estimated lives saved due to better air quality: 50,000.

Pedantic of Purley | 18.03.20 - 11:20 a.m. | #

From McLarens' website
"McLaren P1 Feature
A surprising feature is that the car can be driven solely in electric mode. In city driving, with an average speed of 30 mph, this could mean up to a 20km (12mi.) range. More than enough for an owner to enter, for example, a city center Zero Emissions Zone, have dinner and return home."

In any case, if you can afford a McLaren, the fine for driving it where you're not supposed to is loose change. (Michael Winner once observed that bus lane fines were better value than taking a taxi)

And DG's photo was presumably taken earlier in the week, before the restrictions came into force.

timbo | 18.03.20 - 4:22 p.m. | #

I've hardly ever walked through that tunnel anyway, as it's more interesting and pleasant to go over the top using the walkways and high level open area, especially since they built the bridge from Barbican station over the road

Mikey C | 18.03.20 - 5:50 p.m. | #

Beech Street is among my earliest memories of London, from a school trip the year before leaving school. Most of my classmates opted for Starlight Express, while I went on my own to Barbican Hall, where John Eliot Gardiner conducted an all-Schumann concert that night. I must have missed the highwalk from Barbican station and, once in the tunnel, had major doubts where this was going. What a relief when I found the entrance!

Joachim | 18.03.20 - 7:56 p.m. | #

Timbo... That's very true of the P1 model. But the blue McLaren in DG's photo isn't a P1

IslandDweller | 18.03.20 - 9:55 p.m. | #

Not being in the market for one, all McLarens look very alike to me.

timbo | 18.03.20 - 11:55 p.m. | #

When you're not an expert, maybe shush.

diamond geezer | Homepage | 19.03.20 - 12:02 a.m. | #

Agreed, but maybe the owner can drive his other McLaren through there from now on!!!

scrumpy | 19.03.20 - 2:37 a.m. | #

The City of London was supposed to be doing something similar on Moor Lane, not too far from the tunnel.

They were looking to introduce the same policy at the junction with Fore St - only EVs or cycles allowed.

There was a consultation last year but I can't quite figure out what happened to it... perhaps they focussed on Beech St instead.

Will be nice to take a ride through there once this all blows over

Rob | 19.03.20 - 9:46 p.m. | #











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