Edinburgh fundraiser launched by activist Bonnie Prince Bob to highlight council’s ‘war against motorists’

Series of Edinburgh adverts and political stunts planned

A fundraiser has been set up to highlight Edinburgh Council’s “war against motorists” in a series of adverts and political stunts.

So far over £750 has been donated to the ‘Led By Donkeys’-style campaign which will rail against “negative” council transport policies which encourage more people to walk and cycle, such as 20-minute neighbourhood schemes.

The ‘Capital City Crisis’ campaign has been launched by the local artist and activist known as Bonnie Prince Bob, who previously stood for election to Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Parliament as an independent candidate.

He accused councillors of being responsible for “acts of irreparable damage to the social fabric of Scotland’s capital,” and said travelling across the city “has become increasingly problematic”.

Using the donations – a £4,000 target has been set – he plans to run a week-long digital advertising campaign “and some creative acts of public provocation”.

Speaking to the LDRS, Bonnie Prince Bob said: “England has a popular anti-government campaign group called ‘Led by Donkeys’. If the support is there, then we’ll look to emulate some tactics for our Scottish politicians and councillors as we appear to be ‘Led by Dafties'.”

Bonnie Prince Bob, bottom right, has launched a campaign to highlight the council's 'war against motorists' including the controversial Spaces for People scheme, and he has taken aim at the city's transport convener Councillor Scott Arthur, top left.

He took aim at the city transport convener Councillor Scott Arthur, who he said “has undertaken a ‘war against motorists’, believing that we should all be walking and cycling as he pursues his controversial ’20-minute neighbourhood’ agenda”.

However Cllr Arthur said overhauling the transport system, getting more cars off the road and reducing congestion would be essential to cope with 37,000 new homes being built across the city over the next few years.

He said: “I feel that investing in walking and cycling is key. Above all else, however, prioritising our fantastic municipal public transport system will help us tackle that challenge whilst also reducing inequality and supporting economic growth. I was pleased that this approach was supported by a public consultation last year.”

He added: “Indeed, as a committed socialist himself, I am sure 'Bonnie Prince Bob' will agree that we need a transport system which works for everyone and that it is time that Edinburgh caught up with other progressive European cities.

“I accept that people may have questions about this transition, and I am open to hearing alternative proposals to deal with the challenges we face. Trying to squeeze more cars into Edinburgh, however, will not work.”

Bonnie Prince Bob added: “It’s clear from his social media activity that Scott Arthur is a dedicated self-publicist, and as an official Labour Party candidate in the forthcoming Election he is keen to raise his profile, but he blocks anyone on Twitter who disagrees with him.

“If we raise enough cash we’ll bring Scott Arthur and his cloth-eared clowncil more attention than they could ever have dreamed of.”