Spaces for People proves problematic

The council will keep its Spaces for People measures to increase space for walking, wheeling and cycling in place for at least another two months.

Not all of these schemes have met with universal approval.

Braid Road was one of the first to close, partly to allow access into The Hermitage. Conservative councillors continue to voice their opinions about this on Twitter.

Cllr Nick Cook was until recently the Conservative Group Transport spokesman. He finds it hard to let go of that brief, but is also the local Morningside councillor. He has demanded that Braid Road is reopened immediately, as its closure is diverting traffic and causing queues outside South Morningside Primary School.

The council is progressing with measures on Comiston Road.

The Morningside Road scheme, where pavements have been widened, has attracted some opposition too.

Shopkeepers there have put signs in their windows asking locals to email their councillors and MSPs to tell them of their objections.

The closure of Silverknowes Road has been problematic for some local businesses, but it has now been altered to allow the number 29 bus to access this route once more.

The East Craigs planned Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) attracted over 1300 objections in the form of a petition.

The Craigmount - East Craigs North Gyle - Drumbrae Residents group presented a written deputation to the council saying that the introduction of the scheme was a "shocking abuse of power by the elected officials of this city and must be stopped". The proposal to stop up some streets, ending rat-running, would force traffic onto main roads.

The intention of such schemes is that motor traffic in residential neighbourhoods is reduced, creating people-friendly spaces and encouraging physical activity on designated streets.

The council said that feedback to the consultation on the

West Edinburgh Link project demonstrated strong support for proposals to improve areas for active travel and enhance public spaces.

SPOKES, the cycling campaign group, says it strongly welcomes the Spaces for People programme. They are in favour of segregated cycle lanes, and want to see one installed on the A8. But they also say that some of the arrangements on the High Streets do not pay enough attention to cycle safety.

They also support the "try then modify" approach taken by the council to the introduction of LTNs. They believe this is a better way to consult than any paper-based solution. They say:

"It allows people to comment on real experience rather than speculation."