ROUND where I live, heady pronouncements of a green transport revolution spurred on by the coronavirus pandemic have vanished in puffs of exhaust. In the London suburbs, the promised step change in provision for cyclists and pedestrians has amounted to authorities blocking off a few roads, to the vocal opposition of some .

Many people seem to be voting with their feet – on the gas pedal. According to data analysed by the Environmental Defense Fund Europe , traffic congestion in outer London rebounded to above 2019 levels soon after the first lockdown as people shied away from …