Drop in traffic across Northampton has been a blessing in disguise during lockdown

Thankfully, the Prime Minister has now returned to Downing Street, having recovered from the coronavirus outbreak.

He thought the first phase of lockdown measures were coming to an end.

Being under COVID-19 house arrest with curfews, I have time to stand and stare. If there is one silver lining, it has to be that Britain’s skies have returned to the naturally true blue shade; usually only seen in the tropics.

This is reportedly the effect of plummeting nitrogen dioxide levels from a downturn in traffic and lowering vehicle emissions, which has been reduced by 70 per cent.

With air travel grounded the sky is free of vapour trails left by aircraft which contribute to sky pollution and haze.

Am I alone in thinking how glorious the clear night skies look with many more stars visible? Enjoy it while it lasts.

It seems relaxation of the lockdown rules may be on the horizon.

Happily, for me, the current decrease in traffic is a blessing in disguise. A lot of drivers are using domestic UK mapping data satellite navigation that misguides them to my humble home.

The amount of wrongly directed vehicles has significantly diminished since March 23. I am, however, keeping the Northampton A-Z Street Guide to hand. Invariably I will need it again when the government start easing us out of lockdown measures. The upturn of more road traffic, means more confused, random drivers ringing my door bell.

I’ve met a lot of interesting people though!

Rosemary Twelftree

By email