Perth now only Scottish city to oppose car bans

Survey shows widespread support for vehiclefree plan in other city centres

Perth is the only city in Scotland where most residents oppose car bans, a new poll reveals.

There is widespread support for vehicle-free measures in city centres across the country, according to a Panelbase survey, with only 37% against.

But more than half oppose the embargoes in Perth, which is home to one of the most polluted streets in the country.

It comes as the Fair City moves a step closer towards introducing Londonstyle congestion charges.

Andrew Llanwarne, from Friends of the Earth Tayside, said low support for car bans in Perth could be linked with a lack of awareness of the impact of pollution – and the city’s leafy charms.

“Maybe in Perth, many people are lulled into a false sense of security by the proximity of the River Tay, and the green spaces of the two Inches, to the most polluted streets,” Mr Llanwarne said.

“There may also be a reaction against the potential inconvenience if journeys through the city are made more complicated by traffic restrictions. However, in most cases where pedestrian streets were set up over recent decades, local opposition was soon replaced by support once the benefits were seen.”

The poll for The Sunday Times found 49% of Scots are in favour of car-free measures, 37% are against and 14% did not express an opinion.

In Perth, 45% said they are a good

Maybe people are lulled into a false sense of security. ANDREW LLANWARNE

idea, with 51% against and the rest not taking a position.

Meanwhile, a Scottish Government report that could put Perth on the road to introducing pollution penalties for motorists is about to be published.

The SNP administration says it wants all air quality management areas, which includes Perth City, to become low emission zones.

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Congestion on Atholl Street in Perth has caused concerns about air pollution.