Pollution penalties: 'Is dishing out fines really the answer?'

Levels are so high on around 25 of the busiest, including London Road and St John's Road, that the city risks being fined millions of pounds from next year for breaking European Union regulations.

Yet today we learn that not a single 20 fine has been handed out in seven years to drivers who leave their engines idling, despite more than 100 complaints from the public.

The council, at the prompting of the city's Conservatives, says it is now considering taking a tougher stance.

We know that buses and lorries without the latest clean engine technology are among the worst polluters on the roads. But is dishing out fines to drivers really the answer when in most instances a quiet word would do?

Fines may be appropriate to repeat offenders, but keeping track of those few who ignore warnings would be a paperwork nightmare.

Continuing to invest in cleaner technology as often as we are able and encouraging travellers on to greener transport is the answer.

And trying to spread the word about doing the right thing.

Driving motorists up the wall with petty fines is not.

Dishing out a few fines might just frighten a few recalcitrant drivers into switching off, but with limited numbers of wardens on the streets not many will be worried.

The greater risk is putting people off the environmental message by behaving like what some would call the "green Gestapo".

Far-sighted plans

anyone who has known a friend or loved one with dementia will be all too aware of the great difficulties in providing them with the best possible care.

The idea of assigning each a personal advocate within the care system and creating a dedicated part of the accident and emergency department at the ERI for them are potentially far-sighted plans.

Within 15 years, there are likely to be more than 13,000 people with the condition in the Lothians.

It is encouraging that health and social care chiefs are taking a keen interest in these ideas.