Democracy under attack?
I have read a number of threads on this forum regarding traffic measures, which a number of people seem to regard as an assault on either basic democracy or their human rights. Having done some research I am unable to find any reference to the right of an individual to drive a car where and how they want, indeed limiting the use of cars to protect wider society seems sensible – you cannot drive after drinking, you can not drive in manner which is dangerous to others, you must obey speed limits, you must be insured, you must have an appropriate licence – the list is extensive. Equally, in the UK there are many other things you do not have the right to do - you do not have the right to own hand guns, to use and sell class A drugs or harass and abuse those with whom you disagree – rights I am sure most reasonable people are happy not to have. The Human Rights Act passed in 1998 by the first Blair government, protects your basic rights it does not give you the right to do whatever you want. Equally, democracy is not a vehicle to allow a vocal minority to dominate a debate; it allows for all citizens the right to lobby their elected representatives, in order to have their views represented, if they are unhappy with the way their views are represented periodic elections offers the opportunity to change their representatives. If your major concern regarding democracy and human rights is based on parking restrictions and restricted entry schemes perhaps a wider perceptive is required. Many infrastructure plans, especially transport, are initially opposed on the basis they will be disasters – the construction of the Underground was vigorously opposed – only for their real value to be realised once complete.
John Stroud ● 2227d45 Comments