Proposal for Edinburgh congestion charge to get a ‘fresh look’
●Money raised to be used for public transport and cycling infrastructure
A congestion charge for Edinburgh is set to be re-floated, with an exemption for all residents from the Scottish capital to be included in blueprints for the bold move.
Edinburgh City Council’s Snp-labour administration insists a “fresh look” at the idea in the new year would be a move away from a bid in 2005 to introduce a congestion charge – when residents in some parts of the city, including South Queensferry, would have had to pay to drive into the city centre.
Any new look at a congestion charge would be against changing attitudes on tackling the climate emergency, with new priorities including reducing congestion and pollution in Edinburgh and to meet a pledge for the city to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Any funding raised by the congestion charge would likely be reinvested into public transport and active travel such as cycling infrastructure.
In the council’s focus group sessions, held with members of the public on next year’s budget, there were “unprompted suggestions” for income generation, including “introducing a transient visitor levy and a congestion charge”. But it is thought that some parts of the Snp-labour coalition may need convincing before any plans would be pushed forward.
An administration insider said: “People are waking up to the idea that we have to make changes in our individual lives and how we operate together as a community.
“Ideas such as a fresh look at congestion charging might be necessary.”
No detailed or outline proposals have been mooted and it is thought any policy would follow extensive consultation with the public.
Any new look at a congestion charge would mean that all residents living within the city boundary would be exempt, instead targeting commuters into Edinburgh from the Lothians and Fife and encouraging them to use public transport.
The council does not know if it yet has the powers to introduce such a charge and how the policy, if pushed forward, would work in practice. But ANPR licence-plate recognition cameras could be used as a technology solution to enforce any congestion charge.
Edinburgh residents rejected the
introduction of a £2-a-day congestion charge overwhelmingly in a 2005 vote, with more than 74 per cent of people refusing to back the idea.
The council’s transport and environment convener, Cllr Lesley Macinnes, said: “Against the background of climate change and our 2030 target, we have to be brave about some of the conversations that are needed to change how this city operates.
“These conversations include at least examining some of the big ideas that could help to reduce car commuting from outside of the city.”
But Conservatives have said the move should be ruled out.
Tory transport and environment spokesperson, Cllr Nick Cook, said: “The SNP appear to have wasted no time in insulting the very people who just gave them an election mandate across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife by proposing to hammer hard-working commuters – most of whom simply have no financial choice but to live outside of the city.
“Rather than dream up money-making schemes, the Scottish Nationalists should ensure Nicola Sturgeon reverses her savage cuts to local authority budgets.”
Under the previously rejected plans, motorists who did not pay the congestion charge would have been issued with a £60 fine. The cordons were to have operated from Monday to Friday, with an outer one for the morning rush hour and an inner one in operation until 6:30pm.
The “yes” lobby claimed at the time that congestion charging would mean less traffic, cleaner air and public transport improvements.
Greens have welcomed the idea of a congestion charge being looked at by council chiefs.
The party’s transport spokesperson, Cllr Claire Miller, said: “We know that the status quo is not sustainable, either for the climate or for our health, and that changes to the way we travel are essential.
“I welcome a conversation on how a congestion charge would help to meet our carbon reduction targets. Residents from across the region must be involved, so that we can design the environmentally sustainable transport network that’s needed for people to live, work and study in the Lothians.”
The city council has already backed the introduction of a £2-a-night tourist tax in Edinburgh, with Scottish ministers expected to introduce legislation as early as next year to hand the necessary powers to local authorities. A workplace parking levy is also being considered for the Scottish capital.