I have a question.
Lothian is owned by councils in the area, if LEZ/CAZ/ULEZ was introduced, do you think it would make more money then Lothian? Bear in mind there has been a lot of spending this year from what I've read.
Nope. I honestly can't see the LEZ making as much money as the council think. I think also that the council think this will stop some cars driving in but it won't. LEZ says petrol cars have to be Euro 4 or above ie 2005 I think and to be honest, I have not seen that many cars older than this on the road, let alone in the city centre. Diesel I think is 2014 but I can't see it making a reduction in cars (big enough to notice is what I mean) nor collecting a huge sum.
The council could do so much more if it wanted to though, like I said above, it could change the rules on Princes St from Buses, taxi, cyclists and trams to Local buses, cyclists and trams. Putting all non local buses and taxis up towards George St/Queen St. It could make radical changes by making some key roads bus/taxi/cycle only ie look at Shandwick Place. It was usually a busy road, and now it's not. Can you imagine what they COULD acheve if they planned it properly? Ie if they decided to put a Bus/Taxi/Cycle only route on foot of Lothian Road? It would force all cars via West App Road and if they done the same with the Mound and Hanover St. As that juncion in particular, you often see vehicles blocking Princes St junction due to too many trying to get through. Leith Street/North Bridge could be another. Not easy but if done right, it would make more of a dent than any LEZ would for cars in the city centre.
I already said above that some bus routes could be moved on to George St ie 11, 16, 44 (ie those heading towards Leith Walk/London Road) but one thing is for sure, if the council don't do something soon, it's only going to get worse.