Twitter spat breaks out over driving short distances between political parties

Anne Clarke, the Childs Hill ward Labour candidate for the Barnet Council elections in May, tweeted a poll asking whether it is considered "socially acceptable" for people in London to drive short distances, unless for medical need.

This was met with outrage from various Conservative councillors, including the council's deputy leader, Cllr Dan Thomas, Cllr Rohit Grover and Cllr Gabriel Rozenberg, who felt she was condemning local residents for their travel habits.

The councillors responded in a series of tweets in reply to or in reference to Ms Clarke's post, saying Labour's policies are "all over in the shop" in wanting free parking but seemingly condemning drivers, and accused Ms Clarke of "attacking" local people who choose to drive to the shops with a family.

Cllr Thomas said: "It is disappointing that Labour's approach is to publicly shame residents who rely on cars for local journeys. Conservatives support efforts to increase the use of public transport and cycling. But driving still has a place in our borough.

"We have introduced an electric car sharing service, free parking permits for electric cars, and installed eight charging points with another 50 on the way. We have also lobbied City Hall for step-free access at local train stations and to make bus stops more accessible for disabled passengers.

"When Labour’s council candidates start calling local drivers ‘socially unacceptable’, they’ve crossed a line. They are completely out of touch with the reality of Barnet residents’ lives."

But on Twitter, many leapt in defence of the Labour candidate, saying that it is in fact the Barnet Conservative councillors who are "out of touch".

Ms Clarke said: "The Barnet Conservatives don't seem to be aware that improving air quality by encouraging less car use is actually Barnet Council policy. I'm surprised to see the deputy leader advocating car use for short journeys, Barnet Conservatives really seem rattled and at odds with their own policies. Barnet's stated policy is to reduce car use."

"I completely support Barnet Labour's plans to boost the number of electric vehicle charging points, increase the use of car clubs, and encourage more cycling and walking. A large part of making these lifestyle changes relies on appropriate infrastructure.

"Barnet Tories have been in charge of the council for 16 years and has had many opportunities to invest in making the borough cleaner, greener and with more cycle routes."

Ms Clarke also said she feels the new "aggregate superhub" or rail fright station given planning permission only two weeks ago will add to the air pollution, along with the HGVs that are expected to add to traffic in the area, especially around the 15 Barnet schools around the ward of Childs Hill.