Politics and Black Circles

The politics of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh seem to be dragging Black Circles, the Internet tyre provider, into the arena. The quango boss in charge of promoting Edinburgh’s anti-car road tolls has been branded “hypocritical” after investing thousands of pounds Black Circles. Michael Howell, the chief executive of Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (TIE), has been at the forefront of controversial plans to introduce congestion charging.

However, he has committed thousands of pounds to Black Circles. Mr Howell insists that his business interests do not clash with his position. But Ian Whyte, the Tory leader on the city council, said: “It sounds like Mike Howell has a secret wish to serve motorists – maybe he should bring that into his other professional life and ditch the toll plans.