Because Transco were replacing gas pipes in the area and access to his destination was only acheivable by using the pavement opposite, as indicated by well-placed signs
Shlvng,
Wed 25 Mar 2009, 18:22,
archived)
UBIK : SAFE WHEN USED AS INDICATED
The Alchemist king of the needlessly complicated,
Wed 25 Mar 2009, 18:38,
archived)