On 2007-02-06 10:45:23 +0000, The Natural Philosopher said:

John wrote:

Alternative:
half of all cars given a red disc, rest given a blue disc then
alternate the days on which each colour can drive.



Result:
congestion cut in half but government doesn't get a penny extra from us.


Result. everyone has two cars, a red one and a blue one.



Yes. This is what they did in Athens a few years ago, except using
odd and even number plates.

There are several effects:

- The restriction only applies to private cars and not to vans,
minibuses, trade vehicles and so on.

Result: There are a lot of people running small "businesses" with
magnetic signs on their cars

- A lot of people buy one good car and one crappy one, having odd and
even plates

Result 1: Increase in pollution from older cars

Result 2: Congestion in suburbs especially those with apartment
buildings because of inadequate off street parking.