The Guardian has reported on the state of Park Royal underground station in London, describing it as the worst tube station in the city and possibly the world. The station's 1930s entrance, once possibly charming, now opens directly onto a busy dual carriageway, posing challenges for pedestrians. A hotel sits opposite the station, yet there is no clear or safe way to cross the road for those arriving by foot. Although an underpass exists, its presence does not compensate for what is described as poor urban planning that prioritises cars over pedestrians.
The article recounts an event at Park Royal, where the Stop Trump Coalition gathered to film a video ahead of the US president's state visit to the UK. There, a group of about twenty people, including one person dressed in a shark costume, staged a demonstration called Tesla Takedown. They held signs instructing drivers to "Honk if you hate billionaires," resulting in honks from a wide range of vehicles, such as Teslas, other cars, an Ocado delivery van, and even an ambulance. This chorus of honking arose from a diverse mix of participants, reflecting different backgrounds and political views.
An anonymous anthropologist present at the event commented to the reporter that "the feedback mechanism of a honk is quite ephemeral," noting the fleeting nature of its impact. However, the columnist Zoe Williams observed that the honks lifted the spirits of the small group assembled, who included US progressives, a Ukrainian woman living in the UK since before the Russian invasion, and an anti-Brexit campaigner carrying the EU flag. Despite their political motivations potentially being disheartening, this varied group appeared upbeat and positive during the protest.
Williams wrote, "The true mechanism of a honk is that it buoys the spirit, for ages, possibly forever," highlighting the subtle but enduring morale boost created by the simple act of drivers signalling their solidarity. The article juxtaposes the uninspiring physical environment of the Park Royal station with this unexpected moment of communal energy and political expression.
Source: Noah Wire Services