Two deaths is enough
It’s time to redesign the most dangerous Edinburgh junction
THE PORTOBELLO High Street Sir Harry Lauder Road junction is the most dangerous in Edinburgh for people riding bikes. Two people have been killed there in recent years. The junction is also hostile and inconvenient for pedestrians. People walking between Inchview Terrace and Portobello High Street are faced with up to six separate crossings, forced to wait at each point as heavy traffic thunders past.
The long delayed initial temporary safety improvements are due to start soon. Interim measures focussed on resolving the primary issues causing fatalities at the junction are yet to be published, but are likely to require Traffic Orders, so are expected in approximately 18 months (assuming no further delays).
CONCERNS
However, Spokes Porty are concerned that, once these interim measures are in place, the council may not give the urgent priority needed to improve the junction as a whole - to encourage more people to walk, wheel, cycle or take the bus, and reduce the impacts of industrial traffic on people and the local environment. Spokes Porty believes that the council should commit to and prioritise such a design in its current work - the Major Junctions Review.
Spokes Porty is proposing a protected signalised junction as a possible permanent solution. This would be a signal-controlled junction with separate phases for walking, cycling, and driving. It would improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists by removing conflict between drivers and cyclists and make it easier for pedestrians to cross.
The proposal is based on Dutch design principles where the movements of all users are segregated, making the junction safer for all. It would support the Highway Code’s new transport hierarchy, which places those who walk, wheel and cycle at the top.
Removing the slip lanes reduces crossing distance and time for pedestrians while maintaining an efficient junction. Wide footways separated from motor traffic by cycle lanes would also improve pedestrian comfort while making the junction a more attractive place to cross.
Separate cycleways with dedicated crossing phases would be usable by people of all ages and abilities, critical if we are to enable those who want to cycle to be able to safely and comfortably.
The proposal would need to be modelled, but it has the potential to maintain capacity for industrial and commercial vehicles while supporting the Council’s target of 30% reduction in car kilometres by promoting active travel. Aspirational active travel links in the outline proposal have been included for current and future housing developments around Sir Harry Lauder Road and Seafield Road to encourage sustainable travel.
This is one of many large junctions in Edinburgh that are not safe for cyclists. The council’s Major Junctions Review must result in significant improvements for those walking, wheeling, and cycling. Spokes Porty expects the council to fund and implement all the changes required at these junctions, with a permanent solution at Portobello being the top priority.