Drivers could be banned from popular city center in war on cars

A major British city is planning to introduce a new law that will make motorists think twice about driving into the city centre. This is part of the SNPThe company hopes to reduce car traffic by 20 percent by 2030.

Edinburgh City Council has proposed the idea of ​​banning all private parking within the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) by 2030, meaning motorists will no longer be able to take a car into the city centre.

Councilor James Dalgleish shared his support for the idea and hoped other councilors will also support the City Plan 2030 project.

He explained: “I am pleased that (the) commission has approved our bold and ambitious 2030 city plan.

“It will enable us to guide sustainable development across Edinburgh after it has been discussed by all councilors within a few weeks.

Although many city centers now have a low or ultra-low emission zone (LEZ/ULEZ), Edinburgh City Council’s proposal to ban private parking in the area, known as City Plan 2030, is unique.

Instead, residents will be encouraged to take more sustainable forms of transport into the city centre, such as walking, cycling or buses, or alternative use of mobility services, such as carpooling.

Although the planning committee has already adopted the City Plan 2030, more work will be needed to convince all councilors before it is presented on November 7, 2024.

Speaking with the Scottish Daily ExpressSue Webber, MSP, Transport Minister in Scotland’s Conservative shadow cabinet, warned that the proposed measures do not take into account the number of residents who rely on their cars to commute.

She added: “It appears that the Labour-led Edinburgh City Council is following the measures in a disgraceful manner SNP The government’s lead in waging war against motorists. These strict measures that have been proposed do not understand the reality of many who live in the city and depend on using their car for work and other appointments.

“Socialist politicians are determined to get people in the capital out of their cars, but are failing to provide a reliable and affordable public transport service as an alternative.”

In response, Stephen Jenkinson, Councilor for Transport and Environment, has stressed that this step is necessary to reduce emissions.

He continued: “We will make no apologies for working towards a cleaner, greener and healthier city for everyone. We have a collective responsibility to respond to climate and nature emergencies.

“Multiple studies show that even low levels of pollution can have an impact on our health. Road traffic is the main source of harmful emissions that harm and contribute to climate change, so we have a real obligation to tackle this.”