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> “A plank of wood must not be carried along a pavement. It can only be moved if it is being unloaded from a vehicle or taken into a building.”

Is that a good law or is it a barnacle? Is it enforced in the UK?

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It isn't entirely true, it has to be "to the obstruction, annoyance, or danger of the residents or passengers" for it to be illegal https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/10-11/89

Although it does appear to be true in London https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/2-3/47/section/54

Actually it is. Around 2005 I was stopped by police at 2am in Hackney and told in no uncertain terms that it was illegal for me to be walking with a 2x4 in my hand

That was twenty years ago my dude

Yeah, today you would stopped and frisked, detained, photographed, fingerprinted, interrogated, and finally jailed… for speaking out against the asshats who the think this is a good law.

It was added as context for why someone might be carrying a wooden plank at 2 in the morning and why police might be concerned. It is my understanding that Hackney has changed dramatically in the intervening years

Next time bring a bicycle.

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