A new Spaces for People measure is being proposed for the streets around Ferryhill Primary School.The proposal would see:
Wester Drylaw Avenue closed at the junction with Groathill Road North (still allowing access for pedestrians & cyclists)
stop all motor vehicles (except residents/blue badge holders/waste vehicles & emergency services) at the junction of Wester Drylaw Avenue with Wester Drylaw Drive.
Share your thoughts or comments at Wednesday’s community council meeting on Zoom – you can email Drylaw Telford Community Council via DTCC’s secretary at pamhigginsdtcc@gmail.com
Alternatively you can email the Spaces for People team by midday on Thursday 28thJanuary – their email address is spacesforpeople@edinburgh.gov.uk
“we are aware of local concerns, and we’ve made a number of changes in response” – Transportand Environment Convener Cllr Lesley Macinnes
Work on measures to ‘significantly improve’ cycle safety on Lanark Road, Longstone Road and Inglis Green Road as part of the Spaces for People programme will begin next week, the city council has announced:
Following feedback from the community we’ve made several amendments to the scheme, which will include a segregated cycle lane on both sides of the road and speed limit reductions.
Along with pop-up cycle lanes on Slateford Road and Dundee Street/Fountainbridge, interventions will help relieve congestion on the Union Canal towpath and Water of Leith walkway. These shared use paths have seen a substantial increase in pedestrians and cyclists during lockdown with at least a 150% rise in cyclists during the summer. This alternative route will help reduce conflict and allow for physical distancing, particularly on narrower sections like the Slateford Aqueduct.
Since sharing the original proposals with stakeholders we’ve made changes to the designs in response to comments from local people, largely to maximise parking access for businesses and any residents who don’t have driveways.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes (SNP) said: This scheme will introduce a much-needed safe and welcoming route for those making essential journeys by foot, bike or wheelchair, offering an alternative to the Union Canal towpath and Water of Leith walkway.
“It’s clear from our own monitoring that these popular shared-use paths are becoming over-crowded and we simply must provide other options for the many people who don’t own a car, who don’t feel comfortable using public transport at present or who want to take daily exercise on foot or bike.
“Of course, we are aware of local concerns, and we’ve made a number of changes in response. The beauty of the scheme’s temporary nature is that we’ll be able to continue monitoring its effectiveness too, making further tweaks where possible.
Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran (Labour) said: “This is all about providing safe, convenient options for those making essential journeys and this is a key route for those travelling out of the city.
“Our Spaces for People team have worked hard to respond to concerns from residents and businesses and as a result the designs have been changed. Ultimately, this is about protecting the safety of vulnerable road users, and providing space for people to physically distance, and schemes like these are essential for achieving that.”
Measures on Lanark Road and Inglis Green Road will include:
Segregated cycle lanes on both sides of the road, protected from traffic
A reduced speed limit, from 40mph to 30mph
The removal of the kerbside traffic lane, except on approach to junctions
The introduction of a bus lane on approach to Gillespie crossroads
Measures on Longstone Road will include:
Introduction of segregated, and advisory cycle lanes as space allows
A reduced speed limit, from 30mph to 20mph
Carriageway narrowing and parking restrictions at certain points
Safety improvements at Longstone Roundabout
Changes to designs following community feedback will see additional parking retained at:
Cranley Nursery
Lanark Road Nursery
Dovecot Park
Inglis Green Road
Kingsknowe Golf Course
Redhall area
As part of the development of the scheme we’ve liaised closely with a range of stakeholders, such as the emergency services, Lothian Buses, community councils, equalities organisations, Spokes and Living Streets to ensure designs don’t impact on essential services or accessibility and that they provide an improved environment for pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists.
Once introduced, we will continue to monitor the changes, carrying out regular reviews and tweaking where necessary.
This project is one of a range of improvements being made across the city as part of the Spaces for People programme, which is helping to provide safe, welcoming routes for walking, cycling and wheeling while allowing people to physically distance during COVID-19 restrictions.
RAC marks National Pothole Day with stark warning about the long-term health of local roads
Despite lower overall traffic volumes than normal due to the pandemic RAC patrols went to the rescue of nearly 1,500 drivers who had more than likely suffered a pothole-related breakdown in the last three months of 2020.
An analysis of fourth quarter RAC breakdowns* for National Pothole Day reveals there were 1,461 call-outs for damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels reveals, representing nearly 1% (0.9%) of all RAC attendances.
While the pothole proportion of all RAC breakdowns in the last three months of 2020 is down on the previous quarter, it is identical to the same period in 2019 and slightly higher than 2018 (0.8%). The RAC finds this concerning given the lower traffic volumes brought about by coronavirus travel restrictions as in theory, less traffic should mean less damage to road surfaces.
Looking across the UK, the South East saw the largest number of vehicle problems most likely to be caused by potholes at 242 – equating to 17% of all the pothole-related call-outs dealt with by the RAC’s expert local patrols. While this could be attributed to the region being more densely populated, this is unlikely to be the case for the South West which saw 12% of all the RAC’s pothole breakdowns (173), almost the same number as the North West (170).
However, the RAC’s Pothole Index**, which is a long-term indicator of the health of the UK’s roads available, suggests the overall standard of road surfaces has been improving since the start of 2019. Having begun at 1.0 in 2006, the index currently stands at 1.44 which means drivers are nearly one and a half times as likely to experience damage caused by a pothole as they were 15 years ago.
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “As if 2020 wasn’t bad enough for other reasons, nearly 1,500 of our members have also had to endure unwanted, and no doubt expensive, damage to their vehicles caused by potholes and other road surface defects.
“While the actual number of pothole-related call-outs our patrols have attended is down significantly compared to the same time in 2019 due to lower traffic volumes in the pandemic, they account for the same proportion (0.9%) of all RAC rescues which clearly demonstrates there are still far too many poorly maintained roads.
“We realise council budgets are under incredible pressure due to the coronavirus, but we badly need the Government to recognise the significance of local roads and take a fresh look at how to fund them.
“The Government’s approach of allocating funding to councils from various pots on an annual basis means authorities are always having to play catch-up by fixing potholes rather than focusing on preventative maintenance.
“We would prefer to see them make five-year funding settlements which would allow councils to make longer-term plans for their roads. This could be funded by introducing a similar scheme to the National Roads Fund which ringfences money paid in vehicle excise duty by road users in England for the upkeep of major roads.
“Putting aside 2p from the existing 58p a litre duty on the sale of petrol and diesel would generate nearly £5bn of additional funds for local roads over five years. This would surely help to bring our local roads back to a fit-for-purpose state.
“The RAC Pothole Index clearly shows that the long-term degradation of road surfaces, which began in 2008, has now – to some extent – been arrested, but nevertheless overall road conditions are precariously balanced on a knife-edge. The fact the country is experiencing a colder winter than it has done for several years, coupled with the risk of less investment in local road maintenance due the pandemic, means that the delicate balance may sadly end up tipping in the wrong direction.
“We also know from the 2020 RAC Report on Motoring that the condition and maintenance of local roads is currently the top overall concern for drivers so there is a real clamour from drivers for action to fix them. And if the UK is to emerge strongly from the pandemic and the ensuing recession, good quality infrastructure is essential.”
City council Environment Convener Cllr Lesley Macinnes comments on work to grit roads, footpaths and cycleways in the Capital as icy conditions continue:
She reported yesterday: “Like many other areas of Scotland, our staff have been working tirelessly and as quickly as possible to tackle the ice which set in after showers of freezing rain overnight.
“We gritted all priority routes last night (Sunday) which includes routes to hospitals, bus routes and other areas that most need it. We did this again today and we are gritting category two and three routes now that the easing in conditions has allowed us to do this.
“We have thousands of roads and footpaths/cycleways in Edinburgh and it also hasn’t helped that due to very low temperatures grit on footpaths and cycleways will take longer to be ground into ice than on roads so as low temperatures continue please take extra care if you need to be out and about.
“Our staff will continue to work round the clock to grit as much as we can while this cold snap continues. My thanks too to all the residents who’ve been out gritting local neighbourhood streets – we’re filling grit bins up again as quickly as we can and we’re deploying additional resource from other services to help us to do this over the course of the coming week.”
Police Scotland is advising drivers that the Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning for snow and ice covering a number of areas across Scotland today (Thursday, 31 December).
The local authority areas affected will be Highland, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian, Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire.
The Met Office warning lasts until 2pm on Thursday, 31 December. Conditions for travel may be hazardous and extra caution should be exercised.
What to expect:
Snow and ice may bring some disruption late in to Thursday morning or early afternoon.
Northerly winds will bring showers of rain, sleet and snow across the north of Northern Ireland as well as northern, western and south of Scotland.
Snow accumulations will mostly be confined to ground above 100m away from coasts, but some temporary slushy deposits are possible to low levels at times. 1-3cm is likely to accumulate above 100m, and as much as 5-10cm above 250m, this mostly across high ground of Scotland. Some accumulations of 1-3 cm are likely, again mainly over higher ground, but 5 cm or more is possible over parts of southern Scotland.
What to do:
If you are travelling you should ensure that you and your vehicle are adequately prepared for the conditions, making sure you have sufficient fuel and supplies, such as warm clothing, food & water in the event of being delayed for several hours.
Make sure that there is sufficient tread on the tyres fitted to your vehicle, ensure tyres are correctly inflated and that the screen wash is filled.
Charge your mobile phone and have the ability to charge it further if necessary.
Plan your route as well as alternatives to your planned route.
Drive to the conditions, leaving sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front to allow you to use smooth braking, steering and acceleration to minimise skid risk.
Listen to media broadcasts especially local radio and Traffic Scotland Radio or visit www.trafficscotland.org.
Reform Scotland says electric vehicles dictate new system of paying for roads
Reform Scotland, the independent, non-partisan think-tank, has called for a revolution in how Scotland pays for its roads, to match the upcoming revolution in the cars that are driven on them.
The think tank has called for all political parties, ahead of the Holyrood election in May, to commit to a feasibility study for a pay-as-you-drive system, whereby people pay according to which roads they use and when. This would replace Fuel Duty and Vehicle Excise Duty. Reform Scotland is also asking the parties to commit to the devolution from Westminster of those two taxes, in order that they can be abolished.
With the UK Government having recently committed to phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, and with the advancement of production and battery technology rapidly leading to more affordable EVs, Reform Scotland sees Fuel Duty as a tax living on borrowed time, as well as a tax which fails to take account of which roads are being used, and when.
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), meanwhile, while addressing carbon emissions through its grading structure, punishes those who drive infrequently by charging them the same as motorists who drive on a regular basis.
Reform Scotland’s pay-as-you-drive system would require drivers to pay based on which roads they use and when they use them. This builds on an earlier report, Pay-as-you-drive: The road to a better future.
Reform Scotland’s Research Director Alison Payne said:“The way we currently charge drivers is bad for the environment, promotes congestion and is unfair on low-mileage motorists and those in more remote areas.
“It’s also the case that the taxes which underpin the charging system are becoming increasingly irrelevant as electric vehicles become more prominent.
“We believe that pay-as-you-drive, with central and local government pricing roads and being accountable to their electorate for their level, would be fairer and more relevant to the future of motoring.
“It would also be highly likely to reduce congestion, as people changed their driving behaviour to make better use of road space at times when it is cheaper to do so.”
Today, Amey announced its Winter Service Programme for the Scottish South-West Trunk Roads network (NMC SW), which it operates on behalf of Transport Scotland.
At the heart of the Winter Service, which runs until May 2021, is a fleet of new 56 Econ gritters and snowploughs, 16 new footpath gritters, 12 tractors and 115 Highways Operatives.
The winter service vehicles, in their distinctive bright orange livery, will become a regular sight on the trunk road network this winter.
Traditionally, Amey has run naming competitions with local schools to give each of these gritters a different identity – but this year, with the challenges of the coronavirus crisis and in the interests of safety this has not been possible.
Therefore, Amey is running an appeal asking the Scottish public to name the rest of the NMC SW gritter fleet.
We have already started the ball rolling by naming one of our gritters, “Yes Sir, Ice Can Boogie”, in reference to the Scotland football team’s ‘unofficial’ anthem, and this has already proven to be a popular choice.
IRN-BRU® have also supported the appeal by running a competition to name a gritter, with “Grits You Through” being announced as the winner, today.
These vehicles follow in a proud tradition of gritters such as “Sir Salter Scott”, “David Plowie” and “Spready Mercury”. The naming appeal will run until Friday 15th January 2021, and winners will be announced between 23rd December until the closing date.
In addition, we are asking the public to name our new ‘mini’ footpath gritters in honour of Key Workers, Community Champions and Volunteers who have made a real difference to their communities during the pandemic.
With new Christmas Covid-19 restrictions being introduced for all but essential travel, Amey have developed a virtual Santa’s Grotto, which allows Amey staff and the public to take part in different festive fun events and support local charities.
The Winter Service for NMC SW is comprised of 27 Frontline Routes, 15 Patrol Routes and 12 Footway Routes (requiring 197km of winter treatment).
All the patrol vehicles are fitted with the latest Mobile Condition Monitoring Equipment, and all are fitted with Dash Cams. In addition, we will be using an innovative liquid brine solution on all our roads and footpaths, to provide more effective clearance of ice and snow.
In preparation for Winter in 2020 and 2021, Amey amassed 25,000 tonnes of road salt, 231,000 litre of Brine and 50,000 litres of Potassium Acetate, overseen by 10 Winter Service Duty Officers (WSDO), providing a 24/7 presence on the network.
To support the travelling public, a free Winter Road Alerts service is available, providing real-time updates on weather-related incidents on the network.
An email address is all that is required to sign up for this service:
Residents in north Edinburgh are being invited to help shape a key project to improve connections and public spaces in their local community.
The city council is asking people from across Muirhouse, Pilton, Granton and Drylaw to contribute to the future of Pennywell Road and its links to existing paths at Crewe Toll, Gypsy Brae, Silverknowes and West Granton Access Road.
Through the North Edinburgh Active Travel (NEAT) Connections scheme we’re proposing changes to Pennywell Road and the surrounding area. These include increasing space available for walking, cycling and wheeling, making it easier to access local shops and community spaces without the use of a car and working with members of the community to improve public areas and green spaces.
This will help to identify existing problem areas and opportunities for new crossings, green spaces or where other improvements could be made.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: This project will create a much more welcoming, relaxed environment for those travelling on foot, bike or wheelchair.
“We’ve already seen how temporary Spaces for People initiatives across the city have encouraged people to walk, wheel or cycle and we want to see this happen long-term, with the associated benefits to health and the environment.
“Of course, we want any changes to work for all the people who live and spend time in this area, which is why we want to hear what they think and where improvements can be made. By sharing their thoughts and ideas they can help shape the final design, which will make travel to nearby schools, shops and local areas much easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Interim Head of Infrastructure Delivery for Sustrans Scotland, Chiquita Elvin, said: “Despite being close to existing walking, cycling and wheeling routes, such as the North Edinburgh Path Network, it can be challenging to access them for Muirhouse and Pilton due to the volume of traffic and the focus on roads in the original design of the area.
“We want the local community to tell us how we can make walking, cycling and wheeling easier for them, be that with new path connections, wider pavements, dedicated space for cycling or new crossings. These changes have the potential to transform how people get around North Edinburgh and every opinion matters.”
As well as benefiting local residents, changes could make it easier for travel to Craigroyston Community High School, Craigroyston Primary, Oaklands Primary, Forthview Primary and the new civic centre being developed at the former Muirhouse Shopping Centre.
In addition to the Commonplace website locals can leave their feedback on maps displayed in the North Edinburgh Arts centre café.
Separate temporary measures to make cycling safer and easier on Pennywell Road, Muirhouse Parkway and Ferry Road are currently in place and have been implemented through the Spaces for People programme.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has said that Edinburgh Council must urgently review their Space for People project to meet the needs of people with sight loss.
A recent FOI request by Mr Briggs revealed that no safety audits had been carried out by Edinburgh City Council ahead of putting new measures in place.
Guide Dogs Scotland have contacted Edinburgh City Council about a number of concerns they have with the Space for People initiative, the foremost being the lack of consultation with most vulnerable road users.
A key concern is that the Commonplace online map, an online tool for consulting on changes, has not been fully accessible to people with sight loss.
Another concern raised is a lack of transparency, with the walking and cycling charity Sustrans, managing the funds, providing advice and having developed the evaluation framework for the programme.
Particular safety concerns which have been highlighted include ‘floating bus stops’ and ‘bus boarders’ that require pedestrians to cross an uncontrolled crossing before and after they board a bus. For people with sight loss, this presents a particular challenge as many won’t be able to see approaching cyclists.
Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said:“The ill-thought-out Spaces for People initiative has created a number of significant changes to streets and roads across Edinburgh and has clearly impacted negatively on people with sight loss.
“From the outset Edinburgh City Council has failed to consult with local residents and must now act and take on board this guidance from Guide Dogs Scotland and fully consult with those who are visually impaired.
“Floating bus stops and bus borders are issues which have been highlighted as especially hazardous for people who have sight loss and these real concerns must be addressed urgently.”
This latest boost will help us to complete the proposed programme of temporary improvements first approved by Policy and Sustainability Committee in May. It will also allow the Spaces for People team to enhance schemes where possible, carry out more road and pavement resurfacing and increase the removal of street clutter.
Since May, we’ve introduced many temporary changes across the city to provide safe and protected routes, helping pedestrians and cyclists to travel while physically distancing. Amongst these are widened pavements in key shopping streets, segregated cycle lanes on main roads, closures on roads leading to popular parks and beauty spots, and improvements around schools.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “This is fantastic news and is testament to the hard work of our Spaces for People team, who are developing schemes which support people to walk, cycle and wheel while COVID restrictions are in place.
Additional funding will help us to deliver an even better package of routes and improvements which not only create more room for physical distancing but help residents to make healthy, active travel choices whenever they can.
Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “We’ve already delivered a whole range of projects – helping children to get to school safely, creating space to spend time on shopping streets and giving cyclists safer, segregated routes for travel.
“This funding will help us provide additional improvements including removing street clutter to help reduce obstacles to pedestrian movement and improving some projects already on the ground, for example by renewing surfacing, and potentially adding some new projects.”
An update report to Transport and Environment Committee last week outlined the next steps for Spaces for People in Edinburgh, including amendments to existing interventions, several more complex schemes and improvements developed as a result of public feedback.
This has been referred to Full Council today (Thursday 19 November) for final approval.
Motorists have been warned about some of the most dangerous roads in the UK and urged to take caution when driving them, particularly in winter weather.
Motoring experts from LeaseCar.uk have revealed roads in Northumberland, Cheshire and the Scottish Highlands could cause the most danger to drivers and passengers alike.
Lindisfarne Causeway, which links the famous island of Lindisfarne to Northern England may look safe, but the quick rising tide catches many a motorist off guard.
Roads such as the A39 in Somerset can also cause problems, especially when it reaches the 25% incline found at Porlock Hill.
A spokesperson for LeaseCar.uk said: “It’s easy to think that once you’ve passed your test or conquered a particularly long drive that you can cope with anything the roads throw at you.
“However, some routes are significantly more dangerous than others.
“By ensuring you take time with your journey and pay even more attention to the road and other traffic, you can stay safe and navigate these risky roads.”
These is LeaseCar.uk’s list of most dangerous British roads:
1. Bealach-na-ba, Scottish Highlands
This is the third highest road in Scotland, reaching heights of 2,000 feet in some places. Learner drivers, large vehicles and caravans are advised to leave the road after the first mile. This leaves more experienced drivers to tackle the regular gradients of 20% that this road offers.
2. Lindisfarne Causeway, Northumberland
This road is open only twice a day, as the rising tide covers the causeway from mainland England to Lindisfarne at high tide. This perilous route can be picturesque and simple when the tide is out. However, the two-mile journey catches many drivers out due to the speed that the tide comes in. It’s not uncommon to see vehicles swept away and passengers stranded in huts situated on the side of the road in the middle of the sea.
3. Cat and Fiddle Road, Cheshire
This 7.5-mile route between Buxton and Macclesfield is lined with traditional dry-stone walls. Popular with tourists and lorries alike, the route has sheer drops at the side of the road and severe bends throughout. Although picturesque, it is important for drivers to keep their eyes firmly on the road.
4. Porlock Hill, Somerset
Known locally as the Atlantic Highway, the A39 near the village of Porlock is the one of the steepest A roads in England. When the road reaches Porlock Hill there is a gradient of 25%, climbing approximately 400m in less than two miles. The twists and turns of this road will keep you guessing, but the stunning scenery will keep passengers entertained.
5. Ffordd Pen Llech, North Wales
The steepest road in Britain, found in the Snowdonia National Park. Vehicles have been banned from driving parts of this road, which reaches inclines of 37.45%, meaning you may need to travel by foot on some parts of this brutal route.
6. Skyfall Road, Scottish Highlands
Famous for being featured in the James Bond film aptly named Skyfall, this road starts at the A82. Common characteristics of this dangerous road include tight hairpin bends wide enough for just one vehicle. Black ice can also be extremely common on this route, meaning care and caution must be taken.
