Government By Conspiracy 'Theory'

The '15 minute city' is simply an urbanisation concept. It was only presented, in 2016, by Carlos Moreno of the Pantheon-Sorbonne University (Paris). The basic idea is to gradually change cities, so most people will tend to live relatively near their workplaces and the amenities (shops, libraries, child care centres, schools etc.) they routinely use. This would, inevitably, result in a shift from car trips, to walking, cycling and public transport. The '15 minute city' concept was immediately jumped on by conspiracy theorists. They need something to get excited about. In contrast, I get excited about the use of the 'theory'. A theory is the best hypothesis, not simply a vague notion. Conspiracy 'theorists' presented the '15 minute city' as a 'plot', to prevent people travelling outside their designated localities. In essence, a form of ghettoisation! Currently, no locality in Europe or the US, even approximates to a '15 minute city'. Documentation, however, now reveals that UK government ministers latched on to the conspiracy 'theory', attacking the '15 minute city' as being 'anti-car' (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/jan/10/shift-from-15-minute-cities-in-england-partly-due-to-conspiracy-theories). Their documentation reveals that UK ministers have quietly altered transport policy. They now perceive designated cycle routes; 20mph speed limits and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods as 'anti car' measures, designed to restrict freedom of movement. They are intent on attacking them. Safety, health and cost considerations apparently cut no ice!