Petitioner: Peter Gregson on behalf of Kids not Suits
Status:
Closed
Date Lodged:
22 March 2016
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to legislate for congestion charging in every major Scottish city (population over 300,000) with the proceeds from such charges to be used to subsidise more sustainable modes of transport, such as re-opening suburban railways that were closed, or reduced to freight, due to Beeching cuts; fixing cycling black spots; better park and ride facilities; and improved road surfaces (e.g. filled potholes).
Summary:
15 September 2016: The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government, COSLA, the Scottish Local Government Partnership and the Mayor of London. Link to Official Report 15 September 2016
24 November 2016: The Committee agreed to write to COSLA and defer further consideration of the petition until it becomes clear whether relevant issues will be included within the Third Report on Policies and Proposals. Link to Official Report 24 November 2016
Written Submissions
Congestion charging would reduce car usage in town centres and improve air quality. It would not apply to electric vehicles and would be weighted against gas –guzzlers. However it would not be levied on citizens living with congestion charge zones, whatever they drove.
Any new scheme must be simple and user-friendly. Decisions on how congestion charge income is spent would be subject to consultation by local authorities, who would, of course gain and control the proceeds of the congestion charges.
The charge to any driver entering the congestion charging zone should be approximately equal to the costs of a day saver ticket on the bus, thereby incentivising them to leave their car at home- and keeping the price to a level that most could afford, should car use be imperative due to work or family needs.
What future world do we want to create for our children?