Following the thread about taking a UK van to Germany has made me think about why fewer and fewer people are now bothering to learn to drive and those that can do less.
Of course we have the huge increase in the cost of car use that has come about in the past 20 years or so. Then congestion and lack of easy parking.
Now we have a reason why motoring has lost its spontaneity (if that's the right word ?)
Once you'd get in your car and go without a thought about parking at the other end. If I know I'm going to a new place I'll check the parking there first ( the internet, Streetview etc. is super for this). Then you need to check if your route is in a congestion charge zone or maybe even your destination. Add winter tyres in Germany and various central area restrictions in many European cities.
On top of this we've got bus lanes cameras, yellow box cameras and so on to pick up any tiny (and frequently irrelevant) transgression of rules.
It's just no fun anymore.
These days you'll be just as likely to find me on the bus or tube.
The younger family members who have flown the nest have cars but often as not will take a train from one city to another rather than drive.
The end is nigh !
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