Developed country case study: Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the UK's fourth most congested city. A recent study shows driving in Edinburgh takes 66 per cent longer in the evening rush hour and 53 per cent longer in the morning peak because of congestion. It also calculated drivers with a 30 minute commute wasted on average 86 hours a year in traffic jams.
In the city of Edinburgh in 2021, 1.69 billion vehicle miles were travelled on the city's roads. The leads to traffic problems such as congestion.
The western edge of the city, waterfront, and residential areas of the south-east are expected to suffer most from traffic congestion in the future. Office and business developments at Edinburgh Park generate a large amount of traffic in that part of the city as commuters make their way to and from work.
Edinburgh city centre is characterised by narrow, cobbled and winding streets in the Old Town. This exacerbates traffic congestion. Queen Street, Charlotte Square and the western end of Princes Street are areas of significant traffic delay.
Measures to reduce congestion
Park and ride
A Park and Ride facility has been built at Ingliston near Edinburgh Airport, on the western edge of Edinburgh. There is space for 535 cars and additional space at other stops such as at Hermiston on the Edinburgh City Bypass, Newcraighall in the east of the city and at Ferrytoll in Fife. More than 500 motorist use these schemes per day.
Pedestrian shopping streets
Pedestrianised areas, like Edinburgh's Rose Street, remove traffic from the central business district (CBD). They are safer for shoppers and reduce pollution. Deliveries can still be made in these areas but usually these are limited to early mornings or nights.
City of Edinburgh Council and business groups have further plans to improve the existing pedestrianised areas in the city.
Traffic calming
Roads are narrowed and speed bumps have been installed to make traffic move more slowly around narrower streets. Narrow roads may restrict the type of vehicle that can enter certain parts of the city.
A speed limit of 20 mph has been rolled out across much of central Edinburgh, making it the first city in Scotland to do so. The limit will be implemented on all residential streets, main shopping areas, city centre streets, and roads with high levels of pedestrian and cyclist activity.
Car pooling
An increasing number of web-based car sharing schemes run across the UK. For example, Tripshare is funded by the Scottish Executive and supported by Edinburgh Council. It is part of the UK's National Liftshare network.
The Edinburgh City Car Club has specific parking spaces in the city so members of the scheme can pick up a car or van locally when they need one.
Permit holder parking
Residents in central Edinburgh need a parking permit for their vehicles. Permit prices vary according to the area and the size of vehicle. As of April 2022, a permit for a small car in an outer zone of the permit zone can cost as little as 拢31.10 per year. The largest class of vehicle in a central zone costs 拢754.50 annually.
Parking charges
As of April 2022, prices at pay and display meters in Edinburgh can cost as much as 拢5.60 per hour in the city centre. It is hoped that rising prices will deter motorists and encourage them to use public transport.
Edinburgh Low-Emission Zone
On 31st May 2022, a low emission zone was introduced in central Edinburgh. The plan has three goals:
- to reduce harmful emissions from road traffic to improve air quality and protect public health
- to encourage use of public transport and active ways of travelling, such as walking or cycling
- to strive for net zero emissions from transport across the city by 2030
From 31st May 2024, drivers of vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards will be fined if they enter the LEZ.
Improvements to public transport
Transport Edinburgh, the integrated transport delivery authority of City of Edinburgh Council, has worked hard to improve public transport in the city. This includes:
- the Edinburgh tram network
- new railway stations
- improvements to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket railway stations, including new platforms to cope with new routes and increasing passengers
- a real time bus tracker service
Edinburgh Trams
Edinburgh's trams began running in May 2014 after six years of construction. The tram project has cost 拢776m, millions over the original budget and has taken years more than scheduled. Now trams are running it is hoped that they will go a long way towards reducing traffic congestion in the city.
Bus Tracker
City of Edinburgh Council started its Bustracker project in 2002. This service allows public transport users to find bus timetables and track services easily, either at bus stops or on their smart phones. This service is intended to encourage people to use public transport.