Transport in the year 2020
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IN 1984 George Orwell looked 36 years ahead and his prophecies, laden with gloom and foreboding, have largely been proved unfounded. But I'm an optimist: to me the glass is always half-full, not half empty. I would rather look 36 years ahead to a world which my children and grandchildren can enjoy.
So far as road transport is concerned, my scenario would be something like the following. Naive and ingenuous maybe, but man's inventiveness is limitless. Consider suggesting a moon-walk or a micro-chip as practicalities just 50 years ago!
What would readers like to see in 2020? Let's build up a profile of the transport world we would wish to have.
One of man's greatest inventions, a device to harness the wind and tides, has now been perfected. Europe, North America, Australia, Japan and most inhabited islands have dwindled away and are generally unwanted. Private and commercial vehicles are mostly powered by electricity — quiet and pollution free. Batteries have been developed to a stage where they are small, light and long lasting. Recharging can be carried out at home or by a booster service at commercial garages.
Britain has a superb network of trunk and service roads. Distribution centres ring the major cities and traffic congestion is avoided by the use of a computer system based on road sensors.
The integrated public transport service is cheap, reliable and fully used. Comfortable, unmanned carriages cruise continuously along guided routes in all urban areas, where fewer private cars are needed.
There is very little unemployment. The standard working week is 20 hours; overtime is almost unknown. All children are educated to the age of 18, including commercial and industrial training mixed with adventure programmes.
Most students progress on to a four-year further studies course or spend three years in home and overseas community service.
The usual working life is from 21 or 22 to 55 when retirement is optional and may be taken fully or in stages.
FRANK LEWSEY Witney, Oxon
• Fantastic or futuristic? I don't know. In 36 year's time CM may ask its robot to look back at this letter and write an article around the subject. So keep in touch, Frank! You could be the first man to be interviewed by computer. — Editor.