Petition to Keep South Queensferry Liveable
DESPITE MORE than 400 objections, Ambassador Homes are to build a new road into the royal burgh of South Queensferry, felling mature trees and routing traffic along National Cycle Routes 1 and 76 towards local primary and secondary schools. A petition by residents claims the council is ignoring research into high levels of traffic..
The petition states: “KEEP QUEENSFERRY LIVEABLE, we demand safe walking, wheeling and cycling conditions by not encouraging more driving into the town. Keep existing low traffic neighbourhoods and no new roads for motor vehicles. We request more active travel routes and opportunities for active travel while vehicle access is maintained on existing roads only.”
The existing road at Ferrymuir Gait was previously the access to a motel demolished after closing in 2004.
Transport Scotland (TS) have administration offices at the Forth Road Bridge, but TS has, according
to petitioners, said they will not allow use of the access road (which links directly to the roundabout on the A904) except for emergency vehicles. The Queensferry and District Community Council also objected to the 2014 planning application, but permission was granted for the 124 home development, with vehicles routed away from a possible direct access to the trunk road network.
Cllr Norman Work said: “I have every sympathy with the residents who wanted access via Ferrymuir Gait. I agree with them and made presentations at the time but unfortunately despite the objections Planning was approved in 2015 for access via the other roads through the estate.”
MSP Foysol Choudhury visited the site. He said: “I fully support the residents. The proposed vehicle route goes through a residential area which has low emissions and a National Cycle Route. Ministers must intervene. TS with their cavalier attitude are not complying with Scottish Government policies.”