Taking a lead in the green revolution

Edinburgh’s radical plans to tackle air pollution come with risks that must be treated with compassion

No mainstream politician can afford to ignore real and growing concern about the environment. What was once considered a fringe issue is now recognised as being of vital importance.

But while political leaders have much to say about tackling climate change and other environmental crises, real action can often be slow. This is not a charge that can, today, be levelled at politicians in Edinburgh who have drawn up radical plans that would see the whole of the city declared a Low Emission Zone by next year. This would mean cars and other vehicles having to meet strict pollution limits before being allowed to cross the local authority’s boundary.

The Scotsman welcomes these proposals which stand to dramatically reduce pollution in Edinburgh. Pollution has a dreadful impact on public health and all who live in or visit the capital would benefit from cleaner air.

But our enthusiasm for these plans to create a city-wide LEZ comes with some concerns.

The city council, despite identifying 2020 as the year the zone would be established, has not yet outlined its timeframe for implementation. Would all non

compliant vehicles be banned immediately from all areas?

That would come at large cost to many people and, crucially, it is the poorest who stand to pay the bigger cost. Some who, as recently as three years ago, were told by the government that buying diesel-run vehicles was the environmentally friendly option may also face being forced to buy again quickly.

Public transport in Edinburgh is excellent in parts, but in some areas is patchy, at best. For some people, the car is the only real option for getting around. The risk that some might become cut-off is real and must be considered. We are certain that small businesses will have concerns, too, about the need to invest in new vehicles, especially in the current economic climate.

So, let Edinburgh take the national lead with a radical plan to clean up the city but those implementing it must ensure that public transport services are improved and that those who cannot easily afford to upgrade vehicles are treated with fairness and understanding.

We all have to make lifestyle changes if we are to avert looming environmental disaster. The cost of some of these changes means they are easier to implement for some that others.