Vehicle gridlock on our roads

[rov1200]

With the population of England to increase by 1/2 million a year is it time to introduce some form of vehicle use? For instance we could allow vehicles with odd number plates on certain days and even numbers on the other days.

ps. If you think there is not a problem just venture out in major towns any day of the week. Public transport is a no goer.

[another-view]

Public transport is fine round us (in Yorkshire), although it could do to be a bit more frequent.

[hc4361]

I'd just have two cars if that legislation were brought in.

[jake-the-peg]

Not a problem for me either (Bucks/Northants)

Yeah it's a possible solution in problem areas particularly at problem times.

But if the problem was really this bad would this half a million people think it worthwhile buying cars?

Shouldn't "self regulating market forces" kick in?

[Twenty20]

For a number of reasons I'd advocate raising the minimum driving age to perhaps 21.

[flip_flop]

I agree with Twenty20 - particularly for young men. They do not have the maturity to be in charge of a car.

If a reduction in traffic is a by-product, then great.

Doesn't Athens have the system proposed in the question?

[rov1200]

You don't only need to be in London to experience gridlock.

Yes I believe Athens or some European country did bring in this scheme to stop polution and the idea is not new. It could be refined just for city areas as these seem to be the areas mostly affected. Also motorways like the M25 are ridulous especially during rush hour periods.

The government intention of using public transport has not worked. Maybe if commuter travel was free it could repay itself in other areas.

[rov1200]

Sao Paulo has operated a scheme similar to the above:

Number plate restrictions are usually operated as the odds and evens system, in which vehicles with odd number plates and those with even number plates are admitted on alternate days determined by a day of the week or date. The system in Sao Paulo is based on the last digit of the number plate, where for example the vehicles prohibited from driving on Monday are those whose number plates have as their last digits either 1 or 2. Some categories of vehicles and people are also exempted in number plate restrictions

[Panic Button]

I learnt to drive at 17, and believe I was a safe and sensible young driver.

I would therefore be a hypocrite if I agreed with raising the driving age to 21.

If they can fight in Afghanistan, how can we say they are too young to drive?

[oldhamfan]

Everyone would have two cars, possibly the worst idea I have ever heard

[Wak]

I believe I once read that, in Japan, if you don't have a proper place to keep your car such as a garage or a drive, then you are not allowed to have a car. Simple, and very effective at keeping the streets clear of traffic and parked vehicles.

[jake-the-peg]

There's a time issue too.

I drove into London on Sunday morning at about 8:30 hardly a soul about - even at Hanger lane

So I don't buy the "any day of the week" bit in the question.

But anyway you have to have the political will to address the issue. The referndum on the Manchester congestion charge was 4:1 that people would rather continue as they are!