Tyres and coaches

Monbiot made another compelling case for the idea that we can revolutionise our transport infrastructure by encouraging more coaches on to the roads (see here). It's good timing, because I've spent half the afternoon tracking down new tyres for the car. Apparently my tyres - 175/80R14 - aren't very popular anymore because car manufacturers prefer bigger wheels on their cars (no doubt a consequence of people purchasing larger cars and 4x4s).

ATS happily told me that I'd have to wait at least a week before phoning again to see if Michelin Energy tyres were back in stock (he seemed to suggest that a lack of demand meant they wouldn't be). A search on Kwik-Fit's website - properly done this time - actually confirmed there were no tyres of any kind for the car in stock. I was saved by National Tyres - the local garage has two in stock, and has ordered two more for delivery Monday lunchtime. The price is cheaper than ATS (under £250 including fitting and getting the tracking done at the same time), and the Continental Eco Contact 3 tyres I've reserved have good reviews to back them up.

Who knows, maybe by the next time we need new tyres Britain will have taken notice of Alan Storkey's powerful argument and coach travel will be a viable alternative to getting in the car to travel across the country. Have a read, and then ask yourself if it's time we stopped letting big business and ineffective governments dictate how we live our lives. Forget the environmental cost if you must, just imagine a stress-free trip that isn't bogged down by traffic jams. A far cry from what we endure now - and will have to endure more of in the future.