Skyscraper melting parked cars

We all know it’s not safe to look directly at the sun. And the latest news reports say it’s also unsafe to park under the glare of London’s 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper. The building, which is still under construction, is reflecting light and heat intense enough to damage vehicles parked below.

“Joint developers of 20 Fenchurch Street, Land Securities and Canary Wharf, said they were investigating reports of bright glare. They said in a statement: ‘We are aware of concerns regarding the light reflecting from 20 Fenchurch Street and are looking into the matter. ‘As a precautionary measure, the City of London has agreed to suspend three parking bays in the area which may be affected while we investigate the situation further.”

It’s too late for the owners of several bicycles whose seats were burned through. And it’s definitely too late for the Jaguar driver who said he was “gutted” by the way the building warped his ride’s bodywork. Maybe he’s taking it a little harder than he needs to, but still, nobody expects their car to be melted by a building.

Passersby say walking under the building is like being an ant under a magnifying glass. That’s Karma if I ever heard of it. Heads are rolling now, because somebody’s got to take the blame for a situation that at least 100 people might have, but didn’t, foresee, for various reasons. Let’s hope there’s a solution. And somebody help that poor Jaguar driver get a grip.