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Edinburgh Reporter
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Reporter
Conservative debate on transport on Wednesday
In a Scottish Conservative-led debate on Wednesday, MSPs will highlight both the importance that road transport plays in fuelling Scotland's economy and the damage which the Tories allege SNP policies are causing. Shadow transport secretary, Sue Webber, will point to what she describes as the negative impact of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) on businesses and individuals in big cities in Scotland, as well as the 'proliferation of controlled parking zones and exorbitant fines'. She wants ministers to scrap their plans to introduce 50mph speed limits on single carriageway roads, and increase the rate of resurfacing of Scotland's roads as well as future-proofing the charging network for electric vehicles (EVs). Ms Webber said: 'The SNP must stop viewing car drivers as bogeymen and end their war on Scotland's motorists. 'The insidious, drip-drip effect of anti-car policies is hampering our economy and connectivity and punishing already hard-pressed Scots. 'LEZs are a cash cow for councils desperate to make up for a shortfall in funding caused by the SNP's savage cuts to their budgets, while motorists are also faced with the expansion of controlled parking zones and eye-watering fines. 'At the same time as being charged more, drivers are having to contend with more pothole-scarred roads and snail-paced roadworks. The SNP need to get their act together and ensure roads are upgraded far more quickly. 'Their ludicrous plans to introduce 50mph national speed limits are just another example of how out-of-touch the SNP are. 'If SNP ministers want motorists to play their part in an affordable transition to net zero, they must dramatically improve and expand Scotland's woefully inadequate EV charging network. 'The Scottish Conservatives will always stand on the side of motorists, in contrast to the left-wing parties at Holyrood who treat them with contempt.' But ahead of the debate Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell said that if we are to reduce the number of cars on our road we must ensure that transport is 'affordable and accessible for all', says '. Mr Ruskell said: 'Scotland is on the road to climate chaos. We've known for decades that to tackle the climate emergency, we need to cut car use, but SNP and Labour governments have failed to act. 'Transport emissions remain the largest source of pollution in Scotland, and private car use makes up a huge share of that, but action has been lacking. Just last week, the Scottish Government scrapped their target to reduce car journeys by 2030. 'We need to ensure that public transport is always affordable and accessible. That means cheaper trains and buses, better connections for rural communities, and an end to spending on new unnecessary road building schemes. 'Scottish Greens have been working to make your commute cheaper by scrapping peak rail fares whilst in government, securing a bus fare cap and introducing free bus travel for young people. 'We all benefit from having less cars on the road. It means cleaner and safer streets and communities and less congestion misery for commuters. 'There are many who want to play their part in reducing our carbon emissions, but the cost is simply too high for them. 'We need to deliver even more radical change to make public transport more accessible for all, and that can only be delivered with more Scottish Greens in Holyrood.' Like this: Like Related
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
The High Cost Of Free Parking: Why Cities Must Rethink Curb Space
In cities across America, parking is often perceived as an entitlement—a public good that should be abundant and free. But as urban planners and economists have long argued, 'free' parking isn't free at all. Instead, it imposes hidden costs on cities, businesses, and residents, shaping transportation choices in ways that undermine public safety and economic vitality. The legacy of free or underpriced parking dates back to post-World War II planning policies that prioritized automobile use over other forms of transportation. Today, many cities still require developers to provide excessive off-street parking, while curbside spaces are often priced far below their true market value. The result? More congestion, increased emissions, and inefficient land use that prioritizes cars over people. Donald Shoup, the UCLA economist and author of The High Cost of Free Parking, famously argued that underpriced parking distorts urban economies. It encourages car dependency, contributes to traffic as drivers circle for spots, and disincentivizes investment in public transit, biking, and walkable neighborhoods. Worse, these hidden costs are passed on to everyone—including those who don't drive—in the form of higher housing prices, reduced public space, and increased pollution. Cars parked in a major city While free parking may feel like a convenience, its costs ripple through the economy in ways that few recognize. Consider these realities: Many cities worldwide have taken bold steps to reform their parking policies, using pricing as a tool to manage demand and encourage sustainable transportation. In London and Singapore, congestion pricing has helped reduce traffic and fund public transit improvements. In Europe, over 250 cities have implemented Low Emission Zones (LEZs) that charge or restrict the most polluting vehicles. These policies recognize that curb space is a valuable asset and should be managed accordingly. Closer to home, San Francisco's SFpark program uses demand-based pricing to adjust parking fees in real time. The results? Reduced congestion, improved parking availability, and increased transit use. Other cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., have also begun experimenting with dynamic pricing models to optimize curb space. To create more livable, sustainable cities, we must rethink how parking is priced and managed. Here's what policymakers should prioritize: The high cost of free parking is an economic and environmental burden that cities can no longer afford to ignore. As urban populations grow and climate challenges mount, we must shift toward policies that prioritize efficient, equitable, and sustainable use of curb space. By pricing parking appropriately, eliminating outdated minimums, and reinvesting in smarter mobility solutions, cities can create more vibrant, walkable, and resilient communities. The question isn't whether we can afford to charge for parking—it's whether we can afford not to.
Associated Press
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
WeRide and Renault Group launch their first autonomous Robobus trial in Spain
BARCELONA , Spain, March 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving, and Renault Group will offer a free autonomous Robobus trial service in the center of Barcelona from March 10th to 14th, aiming to showcase the maturity and potential of automated transport technologies for the first time in a dense and complex urban environment. The demonstration highlights the technological leadership in autonomous driving solutions that WeRide and Renault are bringing to enable agile, flexible, modern, eco-friendly, and affordable mobility, especially for European cities aspiring to carbon neutrality and Low Emission Zones. This will be WeRide and Renault Group's first test in Spain of their Level-4 autonomous vehicle for public transport. The initiative continues the experimentation carried out by the partners during the Roland-Garros 2024 tennis tournament. 'This Barcelona trial represents a pivotal moment in WeRide's international expansion strategy, demonstrating our technology leadership beyond Asian markets and into the heart of Europe,' said Tony Han, founder & CEO at WeRide. 'By bringing our Level-4 autonomous Robobus to navigate Barcelona's complex urban environment in real traffic conditions, we're showcasing not just the maturity of our technology, but its adaptability to diverse global settings. This collaboration with Renault Group underscores our shared vision for making smart, sustainable mobility solutions accessible worldwide.' Last month, WeRide announced the first European fully driverless commercial deployment of its Robobus as part of a shuttle service partnership with beti, Renault Group, and Macif that will feature an L4 -level automated mobility service in France's Dôme region. In January, WeRide announced its first commercial autonomous shuttle project in Europe at Zurich Airport, and was also chosen technology supplier for a pilot project on autonomous driving by Swiss national railway Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB). The experimental Robobus, which has the required authorization from Barcelona City Council and the Directorate General of Traffic, will operate from March 10th to March 14th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on a circular itinerary of more than 2 kilometers. The goal is for riders to easily and safely discover autonomous driving in real traffic. The route will have four stops where passengers will be able to get comfortably on and off, giving riders the opportunity to experience the autonomous and sustainable driving of the future while enjoying a unique tour of Barcelona. Contacts:
