Last night, two members of Nuit Debout London have been apprehended by Met Police. Several riot van teams were despatched to control a group of about six peaceful participants. Those, along with any other visitors of the merry gang opposite 10 Downing St, were at all times ready to liaise with the police, as well documented on online video linked at @NuitDeboutLDN. The matter of chalk drawing has been given the go-ahead on those occasions repeatedly. To drive the point home, a cleaning car arrived mere hours later, for the first time after several weeks of this very action. Which is quite popular with kids and tourists passing by.

• FIRST ARREST

13th minute on http://bambuser.com/v/6262144

• SECOND ARREST

https://www.facebook.com/100011563414955/videos/180331649028948/

• CLEANING CREW

http://bambuser.com/v/6262384

As the inhabitant of a country not usually lacking in rain - the natural predator of chalk - as well as a citizen of (arguably) the fine art capital of the world, this concerns me. Not just the dubious handling of procedure and illogical statements by police, since this clearly was a mere display of oppressive power. However, as I research this issue further, legal circumstances appear concerning.
What makes the use of non-permanent markings criminal is therefore the time and effort spent to remove it. This enables target-based policing, as declared damaging to budgets and reputation by police themselves.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6656411.stm

Further, there is the free use of chalk in the vibrant floor drawings around Trafalgar Sq and other tourist hot-spots, as well as spray chalk in 'guerrilla' adverts. This not only adds to the sense of a vibrant, expressive community, but can also enable people to be creative in a simple way that is open to everyone.
Lastly, with a 4-year old to show the world to, his mother and I try to raise him with less of the reclusive, apathetic, suspicious manner that permeates London parenting. We hope to be able to let kids play in the street and, yes, draw, build mud castles, throw grass and leaves around however they fancy - within legal reason, of course. The cases listed in my quick search suggest otherwise. Thus my appeal to you, along with further legal institutions, as required:

Please make chalk legal on London pavements!

In a town that praises itself as home to many excellent street artists we need the liberty to bring colour into the public realm. And, indeed, to express opinions where people can see and debate them, and leave their own mark. The footfall and rain give everyone a clean slate faster than yesterdays papers are cleaned up. What will remain is the idea.