New mandatory eco lifestyle's a blow to average consumer

DRIVING used to be a joy, but now it is just another activity ruined by the finger-wagging classes. Passing my test at the first opportunity than was more important school exams, as it meant freedom.

- Sam Lister

But now unnecessary journeys are frowned upon. Sunday driving, taking the "pretty route" or a spin out to the shops if you could get a bus are no-nos as we race to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Driving for pleasure is over.

That may be no bad thing as motorists try to do their bit to protect the environment. The big problem comes when governments start forcing green alternatives onto people that are considerably worse than the original.

Few products illustrate that better than electric vehicles EVs on which are pinned hopes of a significant fall in carbon emissions. Hugely expensive, difficult to charge and range anxiety-inducing, they're a leap of faith for the motorists who decide to give them a chance. Breakdowns mean a flatbed truck because there is no neutral gear that allows the vehicle to be towed.

Drivers, who have reported being trapped inside when an EV shuts down, say that claims made about how many miles a car can go do not come close to the promises. They point to the many charging points across the country that are broken or already in use when they arrive.