A neighbour remarked how “lucky” I was (as a non-car-owner) to avoid the problems inherent in urban parking.

I responded that it isn't luck, it is a skill. It is a lifestyle choice I have made consciously.

I avoided going further to point out that with fewer privately owned vehicles there would be more space for public transport to travel freely and efficiently.

I made no mention at all of the fact that he has both a car and a van parked on the street as well as a trailer caravan and three motorcycles in our shared back garden. I have no idea what that might cost in terms of tax and insurance.

But this is not a rant, he's a very nice person, he just sees things from a different perspective than mine.