Hi, on the subject of pedestrianising city centers. For many years (since 1987 until 2021) I was a motorcycle courier in London.
Over the past 5 years or more there has been a creeping policy of pedestrianising the streets of the West End and City and other areas.
This has nothing to do with low emissions, purely banning all vehicles from certain areas, including electric and low emissions vehicles.
The end result being it is impossible to deliver to these areas without getting a fine or a parking ticket.
An example of this, you have a delivery to make to an address in a no vehicle, pedestrians only street. So you get as close as you can to that street and park up in a loading bay or on a single yellow line ( where you are allowed to do when making a delivery). You wander off to make the delivery, then on your return you find you have been given a parking ticket.
Naturally you appeal the parking ticket. But often the appeal is unsuccessful because you are only allowed a few minutes to deliver or the traffic warden didn't see you making a delivery ( well if you are delivering to a different better he wouldn't see you).
So for doing your job you have to pay the fine £60 or more, half a days earnings.
That was one reason why I packed up being a motorcycle courier last year.
Eventually the companies in these areas will find it impossible to function without these deliveries being made. The companies will close down or move out of city centers.
Once they move out these areas will die, no companies, no customers for the cafes, restaurants and shops.
A real genius policy!!!!!!!!