Forum Topic

Yvonne Johnson's insensitive remarks. Thoughts?

I found the remarks attributed to Yvonne Johnson in the 28th November issue of The Ealing Gazette more than a bit insensitive. “If you have a second car you would have to have a lot of money, if you can run it you must be able to afford a permit for it. I think people should be walking to school or getting a bike.”I've emailed her to tell her my thoughts. If you agree, please do the same.yvonne.johnson@ealing.gov.uk

Howard Davidson ● 4304d9 Comments

Here is the reply I received:Dear Howard,I did not make the statements attributed to myself, in fact I drive everywhere. I have made a complaint to the gazette via the Press Office.Yours Sincerely Cllr YvonneJohnsonThis is the second time I've contacted someone about a comment they've made according to the Gazette, and the second time the EG has been said to have fabricated the quote. What's going on here?

Howard Davidson ● 4304d

If I were you I would contact the newspaper editor direct.Either - the journalist has fabricated a quote and put it in someone else's mouth which would be a suicidally stupid thing to do.Or the councillor is seeking to blame others for her comments, which if true would also be a stupid thing to do.

Richard Grange ● 4304d

"I think people should be walking to school or getting a bike.”"What's insensitive about that?  Sound common sense and, not incidentally the policy of London's government.  Will you be emailing Boris Johnson, too?

Thomas Barry ● 4304d

I would love to see more people walk and cycle. I do it far more than driving. And I use public transport as well. But those are choices I make. If I had to take a child or children places I'm not so sure those methods would be very practical.And although it's "the policy of London's government' it's not something everyone is comfortable doing. Like I said, I cycle... do you? It can be pretty nerve wracking if it's not something you're comfortable with. Anyway, as here email stated, she apparently didn't make those statements so it's all a moot point isn't it?

Howard Davidson ● 4304d

Still, don't you think that CPZ parking should get progressively more expensive as you have more cars per household? Our Street is at its fullest and most difficult to park , NOT when the CPZ isn't happening daytime, but when all the drivers return in the evening. It's impossible to park anywhere near after about 2100 on a Sunday.Wouldn't it be sensible to pay a standard fee for one CPZ per address and then half as much again for each subsequent one? Anything to make people think about the need to have three or more cars outside their house.

Sara Nathan ● 4304d

My issue wasn't with the concept of paying more for having two cars, it's the assumption that just because you have two cars you have "a lot of money". And that be being able to afford running it you can afford a permit for it. Yes I think all cars should be permitted. It's the insensitivity to peoples situation I found offensive. But again, as her email states, she apparently did not say these things and the Ealing Gazette apparently made them up.

Howard Davidson ● 4304d

I don't  think Yvonne Johnson's remarks insensitive. Even if she didn't make them.

Gerry Tan ● 4304d

I would hope that Cllr. Johnson would demand a prominently placed apology. Let us wait to see if The Gazette print anything.

Nigel Brooks ● 4303d

I think to have two cars is insensitive on a planet that is dying, whatever your circs, and I am fed up with not being able to park our (one) car (used when cycling is not possible) in our street after 6 pm too because of the multi-car households here. Ach....these are first world problems,though, as they say!

Cathy Johns ● 4303d