Drive to future

I cautiously support a levy on private parking spaces, as mentioned in your editorial of 13 August. It will do nothing to resolve Edinburgh’s traffic woes although the money it brings in can be put towards creating a more convenient, less frustrating and less polluting future for everyone.

Driverless vehicles will provide opportunities to address many of the causes of present problems. Fleets of automated cabs can reduce personal

ownership and be directed to use the road network more efficiently so that congestion does not build up.

Self-parking vehicles can minimise the amount of space they take up and locate available spaces so businesses don’t need to keep empty spaces in case someone important visits. The jobs created can exceed the number replaced as when motor vehicles replaced horse-drawn

transport around 100 years ago. Today’s traffic problems have resulted from reactive responses to increased volume in the past. A transport strategy for the future can proactively steer the transition to driverless vehicles by setting up pilot schemes that allow public participation and feedback on driverless services that will be most beneficial.

Increasing parking costs and road closures can seem like

punishment for bad behaviour that might lead to our ability to move around freely being taken away. I would rather contribute my time and money to creating a city that offers both a healthy environment and a transport network to be proud of.

ANDY AGNEW Hopetoun Crescent, Edinburgh