Road closures to be extended in capital until at least November
Controversial changes to Edinburgh roads will remain in place for at least two more months
At a meeting yesterday, members of the city council’s policy and sustainability committee voted to maintain seven road closures which have been introduced across the city mostly to “create more space for exercise”.
The Spaces for People programme comprises a series of measures implemented by the council to increase pedestrian and cycling provisions in the city. In light of the coronavirus crisis and to facilitate social distancing, the Scottish Government awarded Edinburgh City Council £5 million to fund the programme and introduce measures including cycle segregation lanes, widened footpaths and parking bans on more than 40 streets across the city. “Key stakeholders” had been given five days to submit feedback on any plans.
Victoria Street, Waverley Bridge, Stanley Street/ Hope Street, Warriston Road, Cockburn Street, Cammo Walk, Links Gardens will now remain closed until at least November when a review will be taken. Silverknowes Road will also remain closed off to private cars, but buses will now be allowed access.
The controversial closure of Braid Road, which has caused uproar among many local residents and Fairmilehead Community Council, will be subject to a review.
Council members yesterday also voted for cycle segregation lanes to stay in place along Old Dalkeith Road, Crewe Road South, George IV Bridge, Bank Street/mound, Forrest Road and Ferry Road.
Plans were also approved to implement more than 20 further cycle lanes and widen footpaths across the city.
An amendment by the Conservatives
requesting the immediate reopening of Braid Road, Silverknowes Road, Links Gardens, Cammo Walk and Stanley/hope Street was defeated.
Council leader Adam Mcvey labelled Conservative views of the Spaces for People programme as “regressive”.
Green councillor Alex Staniforth said: “We are very supportive of the programme, but there is room for improvement. This is a good programme and I’m astonished that the Conservatives want to take a wrecking ball to it.
“One great thing about lockdown was lack of traffic. It was great to have clear air and to cross the road safely.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Robert Aldridge accused the council of showing “arrogance and contempt” toward the public in the way that consultations and feedback had been handled.