Capital set to apply brakes to its city centre traffic revolution

Fears of creating traffic jams and bus delays give councillors pause for thought with more research now likely

Brakes on in the Cowgate: Pic by Unsplash

The brakes are likely to be applied – albeit gently – to council plans to discourage motorists from driving into or through the city centre. The move will have many under-pressure shops and hospitality businesses breathing a sigh of relief, while those concerned with the amount of traffic, and greenhouse gas emissions, on our roads are likely to be disappointed at the delay, writes Sarah McArthur.

Next month, the Council Transport Committee will discuss slowing down the implementation of its own Circulation Plan. Announced in February, the plan will see the eventual elimination of “non-essential” through traffic in much of the city centre; although delivery vehicles, taxis and buses, and blue badge holders will still have full access.

It comes within weeks of the introduction of Edinburgh’s Low Emission Zone, which saw 6000 fines dished out to drivers of non-compliant vehicles during the month of June.  The LEZ, is also aimed at delivering the key council and Scottish Government goal of delivering a net zero environment, improving air quality, and reducing congestion.

Because as the Chairman of Ford, Bill Ford, said: “Four billion clean cars on the road are still four billion cars, and a traffic jam with no emissions is still a traffic jam.”