‘Carmageddon awaits as lockdown is eased’
Fears rush to vehicles will put walkers and cyclists at risk
Perth could be hit with “carmageddon” if people use their cars to social distance, according to a community group.
North Inch and Muirton Community Council called on Perth and Kinross Council to “quickly address” the issue of emerging from lockdown.
Grace Sharkey, secretary of the community council, believes pedestrians and cyclists could be put in danger if everyone simply hops back in their car.
She said: “We believe PKC needs to quickly address the issue of emerging from lockdown if it is serious about locking in the progress to date on flattening the infection curve.
“The capacity of public transport will be much reduced. Many of those who can choose will see the private car as a safer travel option.
“The resulting ‘carmageddon’ will create gridlock so space has to be created for other travel modes including pedestrians and cyclists to maintain safe social distance.”
Ms Sharkey was speaking as the Liberal Democrat group at the council called on the local authority to make use of funds to adapt its infrastructure.
Cllr Peter Barrett said: “The council needs to be ambitious in its bid for the Sustrans money and it needs to ensure we do not miss out on available funding.
“Other councils have been far quicker off the mark than Perth and Kinross. We need to introduce measures that will work for all residents, including people with physical disabilities and sensory impairment.”
Cllr Barrett has been in touch with local access charity the Centre for Inclusive Living Perth and Kinross CILPK and the council’s equalities team.
He said: “I want to ensure that a broad and inclusive focus is applied to constructing the bid so that the widest possible range of people can benefit.
“Visually impaired people have approached me about tactile paving around the King Edward monument outside the St John’s Centre to reduce its trip hazard. CILPK has been active in conducting accessibility audits in the city centre and is well-placed to contribute ideas. There is support for better connections between the North and South Inches via Tay Street.”
Fellow Lib Dem councillor and former active travel ambassador Lewis Simpson said: “If members of the public are to be either encouraged or possibly required to go back to work to use shops and other facilities as they begin to open up, it is essential that Perth and Kinross Council proactively adopts measures which address the difficulties that pedestrians and cyclists face while attempting to observe social distancing.
“There is also a need for better bike parking facilities, especially with some lockers and preferably under cover. A 20 mph speed limit will also make our city and town centre streets safer for everyone.
“Pavements need to be widened, initially using barriers , especially at pinch points at junctions and outside chemists and other shops where queuing outside two metres apart is all but impossible.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “Perth and Kinross Council is already in discussions with Sustrans regarding ways to help pedestrians maintain safe physical distancing on footpaths and in town centres as the lockdown eases.
“Our officers have been identifying potential problem areas and possible mitigation measures that could be introduced. These could include new signing on footpaths and lane or road closures.
“As well as these surveys, we have also been in discussion with organisations such as the Centre for Inclusive Living over what measures may be needed.
“Elected members, Tactran, Police Scotland and community councils will all be consulted before the bid for funding is finalised.
“Increasing active travel during and after the lockdown remains a priority for Perth and Kinross Council.”