In 2005 the Labour run City of Edinburgh local authority held a referendum to seek approval for a road tolls scheme that they wished to introduce for those driving into the city of Edinburgh, as well as those who drove into the city centre from within the city boundaries. This scheme was widely termed "congestion charging" and was inspired by the scheme introduced by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone for Greater London. 2005 is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Labour Party is a centre-left or social democratic political party in the United Kingdom (see British politics), and one of the United Kingdoms three main political parties. ... City of Edinburgh is one of 32 unitary council regions in Scotland. ... A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) or plebiscite is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ... Edinburgh viewed from Arthurs Seat. ... The Mayor of London is an elected politician in London, United Kingdom, who heads the Greater London Authority and is responsible for budgeting and strategic planning of some governmental functions across the whole of the region of London. ... Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London Kenneth Robert Livingstone, known as Ken Livingstone (born June 17, 1945) is the current Mayor of London. ... Greater London is the top level administrative subdivision covering London, England. ...

However, the scheme faced massive opposition from many residents and businesses in Edinburgh, as well as from the opposition Conservative and Lib-Dem groups on the council, as well as by the Scottish National Party who have no councillors in Edinburgh. The referendum was organised by the city council and conducted by postal ballot from February 7, 2005 till February 21, 2005. The Conservative Party is the largest political party on the centre-right in the United Kingdom. ... The Liberal Democrats, often shortened to Lib Dems, are a liberal political party based in the United Kingdom. ... In Scotland, the Scottish National Party (SNP) is a centre-left political party which favours Scottish independence. ... February 7 is the 38th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... February 21 is the 52nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

The question asked in the referendum was:

"The leaflet enclosed with this ballot paper gives information on the Council's transport proposals for Edinburgh. The Council's ‘preferred’ strategy includes congestion charging and increased transport investment funded by it. Do you support the Council's ‘preferred’ strategy?"

The result was announced on February 22, 2005 with an overwhelming defeat for the council's policy. The administration in Edinburgh immediately announced their intention not to pursue their congestion charging scheme. February 22 is the 53rd day of every year in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

Result

The total number of votes cast was 179,643 out of a possible 291,228 which was a 61.7% turnout.