subject: The Funniest London Laws - Old, New and Just Plain Bizarre [print this page] Every city has its share of silly-sounding or antiquated laws and London is certainly no exception to the rule. Crack open those dusty statutes and you will find regulations ranging from the odd to the downright ridiculous. One can't help but wonder how and why some of these wacky codes came into being. Perhaps some were written in late-night jurisprudence sessions after a few pints had been consumed or by a group of inbred Earls who were slightly daft to begin with.
Some make a certain amount of sense, such as the law forbidding anyone with bubonic plague to hail a cab in London, but it begs the question how anyone with the plague would be capable of such an act in the first place and further makes one wonder what the proper mode of transportation for plague victims should be other than an ambulance or hearse.
Other fine examples include the law prohibiting the impersonation of Chelsea pensioners. There is actually a pretty good reason for that one but it's more fun just to take these at face value. And pity the unfortunate Kensington cattle rancher who would like to sell his prime beef at the Bermondsey market but who has neglected to find out that driving cattle herds through the streets of London is strictly prohibited.
Unfortunately, the modern Londoner is faced with not only the antiquated laws but a host of new ones as well, most of which are less colorful and far more bothersome. Most would prefer the good old days when the laws concerned things like not beating carpets in the street or doormats after 8:00 am or whether or not boys under 10 should be allowed to see a naked mannequin. With London's increasing usage of security cams one might think twice about eating a mince pie on Christmas Day because Big Brother may be watching. And was that not Mr. Barnsley who was clearly seen carrying a plank down a footpath? Tsk, tsk: what is the world coming to?
Luckily, when it comes to regulations concerning issues like end of tenancy cleaning the capital offers a vast array of professional service people who know the laws, old and new, and can help guide you through the maze of regulations without running afoul of real estate authorities. With the current trend being landlords bamboozling tenants out of their bonds on end of tenancy cleaning, getting in touch with the man who knows how to legally impersonate a Chelsea pensioner, hire a plague-friendly horse cab and find a decent cleaning company means making a friend for life.
The Funniest London Laws - Old, New and Just Plain Bizarre
