Tag: transport

Relief all round as border reopens

An agreement to reopen the UK-French border to allow accompanied freight services and some passenger services to resume between the two countries was reached by the UK and French governments last night.

Rail, air and sea services will resume this morning, with all people travelling from the UK into France required to show proof of a negative Coronavirus test taken within the previous 72 hours.

The protocol agreed with the French Government will be reviewed on 31 December, but could run until 6 January. All lorry drivers, irrespective of nationality, will require a lateral flow test.

This can detect the new strain of COVID-19 and provide results in around 30 minutes, rather than the 24 hours required after a PCR test.

The French government will also carry out sample testing on incoming freight to the UK.

The UK government continues to strongly urge hauliers not to travel to Kent until further notice, while a mass testing programme for HGV drivers gets underway to alleviate congestion at ports.

Operation Stack remains in force along the M20 while lorry drivers in Kent are continuing to be directed to the Manston holding facility, where they have access to food and welfare facilities.

Under the agreement announced this evening, admittance into France will only be granted to those travelling for urgent reasons – including hauliers – French citizens, and British citizens with French residency. 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “I am pleased that we have made this important progress with our French counterparts this evening. This protocol will see the French border reopen to those travelling for urgent reasons, provided they have a certified negative COVID test.

“We continue to urge hauliers not to travel to Kent until further notice as we work to alleviate congestion at ports.”

The Transport Secretary also announced the temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours for hauliers to help drivers get through UK borders safely, including via Kent, during the coming weeks. The rules came in force at midnight.

Scotland’s Transport Secretary Michael Matheson has called for drivers moving goods such as seafood and salmon to be prioritised as an agreement is reached to allow hauliers into France.

Speaking after a discussion with the UK Transport Secretary last night, Mr Matheson, said: “This has been an extremely worrying time for a number of our sectors who are heavily dependent on the Channel ports, especially at this time of year.

“It has provided an alarming insight into the likely disruption a No Deal Brexit or any additional trade barriers will bring, and I would again stress the need to extend the transition period while the country gets to grips with coronavirus (Covid-19).

“I spoke with the UK Transport Secretary and am pleased that he reported that significant progress had been made regarding arrangements to reopen the closure of the French border to UK freight and that the UK Government has agreed that a Lateral Flow Test – of similar quality to that being used by the NHS – will permit drivers and other essential travellers to travel to France within 72 hours of a clear test. Arrangements will be in place until 6 January, with a mutual review agreed for 31 December.

“The UK Government has informed us that they have a plan to deploy Lateral Flow Tests to drivers at locations in Kent where drivers are parked, and UK Ministers must now urgently prioritise those drivers with perishable goods, such as Scottish seafood and salmon.

“What has always been of concern is the impact on exporters, not least of Scotland’s premier food produce rightly in demand in Europe. This is their most critical time of year and the dismay caused by the uncertainty and length of delay has been avoidable and regrettable.  

“Now we have clarity on the type of test required, the Scottish Government will work with the haulage industry and the NHS to explore how we can support drivers to take those tests in Scotland in the future, before beginning their journey. 

“To reiterate, Scotland is currently well stocked with food and medical supplies. We remain in close communication with the NHS and with food retailers and there is no issue that causes concern for the immediate few days ahead.  What has always been of concern is the impact on exporters, not least of perishable goods such as seafood. This is their most critical time of year and right now, and the dismay caused by the uncertainty and length of delay has been avoidable and regrettable.  

“I have again raised the question of financial support for those hit by this action with the UK Government. We stand ready to help in any practical way we can as this situation develops and will keep all actions under active review.”

Have your say on North Edinburgh’s active travel connections

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.

We’re seeking feedback from residents via a dedicated Commonplace map, a tool recently used as part of Spaces for People engagement, which attracted more than 4000 comments.

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. 

NEAT Connections has been funded through Sustrans’ Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme, with support from Transport Scotland.

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.

megabus offers thousands of extra coach seats and urges: Book ahead for Christmas

  • 5,600 additional coach seats available from 23 to 27 December
  • Support provided by the Department for Transport to provide significant extra capacity over the festive period
  • 23 and 27 December busiest days for travel, with Sheffield, Newcastle and Leeds most popular destinations
  • Additional destinations now back on the map following government agreement
  • Customers advised to book ahead as services are expected to be busy, to wear a face covering unless exempt, sanitise their hands regularly and maintain space when travelling
  • Tickets can be booked at megabus.com with free alterations up to 24 hours before travel

Stagecoach, Britain’s biggest bus and coach operator, has announced that 5,600 extra socially-distanced seats are being made available on its megabus coaches over the Christmas period, and urges families and friends planning to be reunited to book ahead.

With support from the Department for Transport, Stagecoach can offer extra megabus seats from all the major cities and many regions across the country including the North East, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Bristol, Cardiff and London.

Additional seats will also be offered on services to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The agreement with government will also allow megabus to provide services from additional places across the South West including Falmouth, Plymouth, Exeter, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Swindon. There will now also be services running to and from the north including Doncaster, Bradford and Scunthorpe with extra stops at Cambridge and new services to Great Yarmouth.

Around 50% of the previously available seats throughout December have now sold out, with cities such as Sheffield, Newcastle and Leeds showing big spikes in demand.  Wednesday 23 and Sunday 27 December are the most popular days for travel and now thousands of extra seats are on sale, megabus is urging people to book ahead, especially as rail services are expected to be busy.

Students have also been successfully using megabus coaches to get home for Christmas, with figures showing a 90% increase during the student travel week, compared with the previous week. Extra coaches were provided on many routes.

Mark Venables, Managing Director for megabus, said: “Direct and high frequency intercity coaches are an increasingly popular travel choice and this year in particular, they will play a vital role in helping families and friends to be reunited for Christmas.

“On the busiest days in December, we have already sold around 50% of the capacity we had available, so it’s great news that we’re working with the UK Department for Transport to increase the number of seats on our services in the run up to the festive break. This agreement also means we’re able to add many more towns and cities across the South West and Northern England onto our network.

“We know that coach and train seats are booking up quickly, and with the increase in advance ticket sales that we have seen, we’re urging people to plan ahead and book travel as soon as possible.  

“Our megabus services offer safe, easy and hassle-free travel and provide a great alternative to cars and train travel, which are typically a much more expensive way to travel. All of our tickets offer free amendments up to 24 hours in advance, so we’re offering flexibility this year, as well as great value travel.” 

Extensive additional safety measures have been introduced across all services to ensure that people can travel with confidence. This includes regular touch-point cleaning, social distancing and anti-bac stations on board all coaches. All customers travelling are asked to wear face coverings in line with the government’s rules.  

Customers travelling in the run up to Chrsitmas are advised to: 

  • Plan and book ahead to try and avoid busy times and routes 
  • Reserve a seat in advance 
  • Try to avoid making unnecessary stops during your journey 
  • Come with a face covering to wear throughout your journey 
  • If you feel unwell or have any Coronavirus symptoms, please do not use public transport 

megabus will be operating throughout the festive period including on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, providing a safe and convenient way for people to get together with family and loved ones in line with the government’s Christmas rules. 

All megabus tickets can be altered up to 24 hours in advance free of charge. Those wishing to reserve a seat benefit from double the usual luggage allowance, and the coaches can be tracked while they’re on the road at https://coachtracker.uk.megabus.com/.

All tickets can be booked at megabus.com. 

SNP Ministers having second thoughts about Sheriffhall Roundabout, say Tories

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has accused SNP Ministers of having second thoughts about the development of Sheriffhall junction.

Plans for the development of Sheriffhall junction stalled earlier this year when the SNP Government went back on their commitment to commence the development, following pressure from the Greens.

Last week, (Wednesday 28th October), the Lothian MSP met with Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesperson Graham Simpson and South Scotland MSP Michelle Ballentine at the junction to see first hand the urgent need for the junction to be developed.

The development is a key national infrastructure projects that is vital for commuters in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s and to meet future demand with the South East of Scotland having the fastest growing population in Scotland.  

A Written Answer to Lothian MSP Miles Briggs, attached, states  “should Transport Scotland be unsuccessful in removing all objections, then a public local inquiry may be required” and that “Delivery of the scheme itself can only commence if it is approved under the relevant statutory procedures and thereafter a timetable for its progress can be set”.

The junction is also a major safety hazard with 299 accidents involving injury or death at the junction over a 10 year period.

Investment in infrastructure should be a key approach to Scotland economic recovery from Covid-19 and it is disappointing the this development is being delayed.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs commented: “This development of Sheriffhall Junction needs to be brought forward as soon as possible. For too long we have been campaigning for this and it is now time for action.

“This is a key national investment for the South East of Scotland which will reduce congestion and create jobs.

“I have written to the Scottish Government to get an update on their review to improve active travel and public transport provision.”

South Scotland MSP, Michelle Ballantyne, commented: “Sheriffhall Junction is the gateway to Edinburgh for much of south-east Scotland and thousands of residents rely upon it every day.

“We cannot afford any further delay; upgrades to the roundabout are critical for development in the region and will attract jobs and investment to Midlothian and the Borders.

“I will continue to press the Scottish Government on this important issue. South East Scotland deserves a road network that is fit for purpose.”

Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesperson, Graham Simpson, commented: “This project is badly needed and the SNP need to pull their fingers out and deliver it.

“It’s essential to Edinburgh and the wider region. Delays at Sheriffhall should be sorted – and fast.”

Capital hat trick at Scottish Transport Awards

Transport Convener Lesley Macinnes has welcomed three prestigious awards for the City of Edinburgh Council at the Scottish Transport Awards 2020.

The Council’s pioneering 20mph rollout triumphed in the awards as the Most Effective in Road Safety, Traffic Management and Enforcement, while the Excellence in Walking, Public Realm & Cycling award was won by the Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme (Just Eat Cycles), which is run on the Council’s behalf by Transport for Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh Trams scooped the Excellence in Travel Information & Marketing award for a successful partnership campaign with Scottish Rugby, and Lothian bus driver Matty Tunnock was highly commended in the Frontline Employee of the Year category.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport Convener, said: “It’s great to see the success of our pioneering 20mph network recognised at a national level and I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to all involved in this project, as well as the others that picked up awards.

“These awards are welcomed as we continue to implement schemes like the 20mph network and our Just Eat Cycles bike hire scheme which make it easier for people to travel safely and sustainably around our city.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport Vice Convener, said: “A huge well done to everyone involved in the 20mph network, our Cycle for Hire scheme and those at Edinburgh Trams and Scottish Rugby – we’re doing great work across Edinburgh in making our city a safer place to travel round and spend time.”

Edinburgh was the first city in Scotland to implement a 20mph network, which aims to create calmer, more welcoming and people-friendly streets, encouraging healthy, active travel. It saw a 20mph speed limit implemented across residential roads, shopping streets and the city centre, with many other cities in the UK and Europe following suit.

Calmer speeds help to reduce the risk and severity of collisions, encourage people to walk and cycle and to spend more time in an area. The reduced speed also makes it easier to cross roads, particularly for children, older people and those with mobility issues.

The top prize in the Walking, Public Realm and Cycling category was scooped by Edinburgh Cycle Hire, one of the fastest growing cycle hire schemes in the UK. The two-year old scheme, run on the Council’s behalf by Transport for Edinburgh, was recognised for improving urban mobility across the city, helping to support economic growth, reduce traffic congestion, and improve health and wellbeing.

Edinburgh Trams was recognised for its partnership with Scottish Rugby, which included a tram wrap of players in the new kit, special automated announcements from popular players at Murrayfield and even saw the national team take the tram to Edinburgh Airport ahead of an international fixture.

The Scottish Transport Awards acknowledge and celebrate industry achievements across Scotland and are supported by the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland.

A Green Recovery: The Future of Transport in Edinburgh

 – Online event hosted by Greenpeace Edinburgh Local Group –

TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER at 7pm online

Transport accounts for around one third of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, with the vast majority coming from road transport – cars, vans and HGVs.

For the UK to achieve its 2050 target net zero target, we need a transport revolution in the UK – replacing petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans with electric vehicles accompanied by massive investment in walking, cycling and public transport.

We are pleased to welcome David Somervell from Transition Edinburgh and Suzanne Forup (Head of Development for Cycling UK in Scotland), to talk about the current situation and the future of transport in Edinburgh.  Our special guest, Ian Murray (MP for Edinburgh South) will also be in attendance and present at the event. 

Coronavirus has majorly impacted on the way we get about. Some key upcoming decisions by the Government will have long-lasting effects on the future of transport in Edinburgh. 

This event will be a chance to learn about current transport campaigns in Edinburgh, how this maps against the national context, and how to take action to help achieve a sustainable transport future in the UK.

Agenda:

5 mins Hello and welcome

10 mins Greenpeace Speaker presentation on the national transport context

10 mins Presentation by David Somervell from Transition Edinburgh

10 mins Presentation by Suzane Forup from Cycling UK

10 mins Presentation by Ian Murray (Labour MP for Edinburgh South)

30 mins Q&A

 Date: Tuesday 13 October

Time: 7PM

 WHERE Online, https://greenwire.greenpeace.org/uk/en-gb/events/green-recovery-future-transport-edinburgh

Committee to discuss controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

Proposals for a Low Traffic Neighbourhood in East Craigs will be considered by Transport and Environment Committee this morning (Thursday 1 October).

The temporary measures are being proposed as part of our Spaces for People programme and, following concerns raised by the local community, will be brought to committee for a final decision by councillors.

In response to feedback from residents, the design of the scheme has been amended to ensure that every area in the Low Traffic Neighbourhood can access (entry and/or exit) two of the major distributor roads, Drum Brae, Glasgow Road or Maybury Road.

The council says that by making these amendments, it will alleviate the requirement for right turns across Drum Brae South and Glasgow Road, which have been key concerns of residents. However, it will also ensure that routes used by vehicles to avoid the A8 corridor are closed, particularly during Craigmount High School’s opening and closing times. In addition, it will take traffic away from the West Edinburgh Link north-south cycle route.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convenor, said: Low Traffic Neighbourhoods allow residents to move around their own areas safely and with more space. They encourage physical activity and reduce through traffic.

“We know through feedback we have received that local people want to see measures improved for walking, wheeling and cycling and this is an opportunity to make this a reality on a temporary basis.

“However, we recognise that a number of people have been opposed to the measures we are looking to implement, so we felt it was right to refer this matter to the Transport and Environment Committee for proper scrutiny by elected members.

“We have listened carefully to local concerns and are proposing a number of changes to address the issues raised by the community. This will make vehicle access easier for local residents while moving ahead with some elements that will bring positive changes for residents. There is also a clear commitment to continue monitoring its effect and to modify it where necessary.

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convenor, said: “We know that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods reduce emissions and calm traffic due to the number of successful schemes that have already been implemented across the UK.

“Nevertheless, there is local opposition to this scheme and it should be discussed and agreed by the Transport and Environment Committee before we take steps to implement. We will continue to engage with residents and stakeholders regarding this matter and ensure that their voices are heard as we move forward.”

The report will also consider other potential Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across the city, including the Meadows, Leith and the South Corstorphine area.

The East Craigs Low Traffic Neighbourhood involves temporary measures and is not a permanent scheme. Once implemented we will continue to monitor its success and engage with local residents. If a view is taken to make the scheme permanent full consultation with residents would take place.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are used in a number of cities to reduce the impact of through motor traffic. They create people-friendly spaces which encourage physical activity and active travel choices while maintaining local access. Our consultation on the West Edinburgh Link (WEL) project showed support for proposals to improve conditions for active travel. We also received a number of suggestions via our Commonplace online tool on how the area could be made safer for residents.

Read the full report, Spaces for People – East Craigs Low Traffic Neighbourhood, online. Watch Transport Committee live via webcast from 10am on Thursday, 1 October.

The amended measures for the East Craigs scheme include – 

  • Removing the Craigmount Avenue and Craigs Loan modal filters
  • Changing the position of the Craigs Gardens modal filter
  • Changing the North Gyle Terrace filter to No Entry east bound (from Maybury Road)
  • Altering the Craigs Road bus gate so that it always permits one-way westbound traffic and restricts eastbound traffic at peak times (07:30 – 09:30 and 16:00-18:30)

£1.2 million to support bus priority measures

More than £1.2m in funding has been awarded to local authorities in the south east of Scotland for emergency measures to prioritise public transport.

Transport Scotland has allocated the funding from its £10m Bus Priority Rapid Deployment Fund, which will support temporary changes to improve bus journey times and reliability on some of the region’s most congested routes.

A package of interventions has been developed by the South East Scotland Transport Transition Group, which involves Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, Fife, Scottish Borders, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire councils.

These aim to encourage and incentivise bus travel as an attractive, sustainable mode of transport as lockdown restrictions are lifted and traffic begins to return to previous levels.

Amongst proposals are the introduction or extension of bus lanes including on the A90 citybound between Cramond Brig and Barnton and on the A89 eastbound approach to Newbridge, various signalling improvements for smoother flow of traffic and enhanced bus stops at key locations.

Led by the City of Edinburgh Council, the South East Scotland Transport Transition Group has worked with bus operators and SEStran to develop the measures, which it is estimated could reduce journey times by up to 12 minutes in some areas.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “This funding award is extremely welcome and demonstrates the value of months of close partnership working between neighbouring local authorities, bus operators and SEStran.

“The way we travel has significantly changed over recent months and it’s clear commuting patterns won’t be returning to ‘normal’ anytime soon. This funding allows us to quickly prioritise public transport into and around the region, improving bus journey times and making bus travel a reliable, attractive mode of transport as restrictions are eased.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson said: “I’m pleased that passengers across the south east of Scotland will soon experience the benefits of these temporary bus priority infrastructure measures. These measures will remove pinch points and keep buses moving, resulting in faster end to end journeys.

“We know that in some cases, bus passengers have fewer alternative travel options, and so it’s right that buses are prioritised to help improve journey times and reliability across congested routes.

“While these measures will help make bus journey times faster on pinch points and undoubtedly makes bus travel more attractive, let’s continue to leave public transport for those that need it most.

“Walk, wheel or cycle where possible and use temporary active travel infrastructure which helps with physical distancing. Plan ahead if using public transport to help manage demand.

“By thinking about how and when we travel – collectively, we can keep Scotland moving during the COVID-19 crisis.”

Changes will be implemented using Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders and engagement with local stakeholders will be carried out before any proposals are put in place.

Detailed designs and additional traffic modelling work are ongoing, with further information on the next steps for each of the schemes to be made available in the coming weeks.

The Bus Priority Rapid Deployment Fund was announced by Transport Scotland in July and aims to provide immediate relief to some of the most congested bus routes in line with the Scottish Government’s route map through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Full list of proposed measures:

  • Citybound A90 bus lane from Cramond Brig to Barnton 
  • Extension of westbound bus lane on Hillhouse Road towards Blackhall
  • Optimisation of Blackhall bus priority scheme
  • Temporary bus lane on A89 eastbound approach to Newbridge
  • Temporary bus lane on A8 westbound approach to Newbridge from airport on-slip
  • Short temporary bus lane on citybound approach to Maybury 
  • Temporarily lengthen bus stop at Drum Brae Roundabout and increase waiting bays
  • Full/part signalisation of Riccarton Mains Road roundabout at Hermiston to aid bus access and egress from Park & Ride
  • Temporary kerb build out in bus stops e.g. North Bridge and South Bridge, Bathgate and in Uphall and Broxburn
  • Use layby areas as passenger waiting areas and temporary kerbs in Mid Calder on Bank Street
  • Extended bus lane operating hours on A71 heading towards Hermiston Park & Ride site
  • A70 westbound bus lane on approach to Gillespie Crossroads
  • Introduction of temporary traffic signals at Melville Dykes Rd/B704 Hillhead junction (Lasswade) give more priority to A7 and A6106 approaches
  • Gilmerton crossroads – parking restrictions on approaches to junction
  • Changed signal timings and yellow box markings at Straiton junction to aid entry of traffic to the junction from B702 Loanhead Road
  • Introduction of continuous bus lane on A701 southbound approach to Kaimes Crossroads
  • Introduction of bus lane on Captain’s Road westbound approach to Kaimes Crossroads
  • Extension of northbound bus lane on Duddingston Park (A6106) northbound approach to Milton Road (A1)
  • Bus lane on Linkfield Road between racecourse and Musselburgh High Street
  • Parking/waiting restrictions on Prestonpans and/or Tranent High Streets to ease congestion and reduce delays to buses
  • Split bus stop outside Musselburgh Police Station into two stops.

East Craigs to become capital’s first Low Traffic Neighbourhood

Edinburgh’s first Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) is to be introduced as part of Spaces for People improvements.

The city council will be implementing a series of temporary measures in the East Craigs area of the city over the coming weeks to help people walk, cycle and wheel safely, including segregated cycle lanes, closing roads to ‘through’ traffic and a bus gate. These interventions will add to temporary measures put in place across the city since May to support safe physical distancing.

LTNs reduce the impact of motor traffic on neighbourhoods, creating people-friendly spaces and encouraging physical activity by limiting through traffic on designated streets, while maintaining local access.

Recent feedback to consultation on the West Edinburgh Link (WEL) project demonstrated strong support for proposals to improve conditions for walking and cycling, enhance public spaces and facilitate sustainable transport.

Suggestions to make it easier and safer to travel by foot, bike or wheelchair received via the Commonplace online tool also influenced council plans for an LTN, along with the local school’s travel plan and traffic surveys of vehicle volumes and speeds in the area.

Once implemented, the council monitor the effects of the LTN, making amendments if appropriate, and will be engaging with the community to help shape the scheme. Any plans for a permanent LTN, as part of WEL, would draw from this, though further, significant consultation with residents would be carried out before any decisions are made.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We’ve been working hard to introduce a package of measures across the city that will make it easier and safer to get around, to spend time in local high streets and to return to school as restrictions are lifted.

Many of these changes respond to feedback from the community, and in East Craigs we know that local people want to see conditions for walking, cycling and travel by public transport improved. The range of interventions we’ll be implementing will create safe, people-friendly streets by reducing speeding and opportunities for rat running. Vehicle access will of course be maintained for residents.

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “These temporary measures are supported by previous research and feedback and will benefit the community as they return to work and school.

“We’ll be closely monitoring their impact and drawing from this as we work to develop a long-term LTN for the area, as part of WEL. Of course, there will be further consultation with the community before any decisions on permanent schemes are made.”

The key changes being introduced as part of the LTN in East Craigs include:

  • Introduction of segregated cycleways along Drum Brae North
  • Introduction of advisory cycle lanes on part of Drum Brae South
  • Improvements to junctions in East Craigs to make them safer for cyclists and pedestrians
  • Introduction of a bus gate on Craigs Road
  • Introduction of six road closures, with filtered permeability for bicycles and pedestrians, in the East Craigs area including: North Gyle Terrace, North Gyle Road, Craigs Gardens, Craigs Loan and Craigmount Avenue North

Emergency measures to support walking, cycling and wheeling while observing physical distancing have already been implemented across Edinburgh. These include segregated cycle lanes, widened pavements and road closures both in the city centre, on routes to parks and green spaces and in local shopping streets. We’re also introducing improvements around schools as pupils return.

Examples of LTNs introduced elsewhere have seen traffic levels, and often speeds, fall. Walking, wheeling and cycling has also been found to increase, while it has been observed that stopping through traffic on side streets doesn’t significantly add to congestion on main roads.

Find out more about Spaces for People on the Council website.

RAC Fuel Watch: petrol and diesel up 3p a litre in July

Second consecutive monthly fuel price rise means unleaded is now 7p a litre more expensive than it was at the end of May – diesel is 6p dearer

The average price of petrol and diesel rose for the second consecutive month, adding nearly £2 to a fill up, according to RAC Fuel Watch data for July.*

Unleaded rose 3.21p a litre from 111.06p to 114.27p, which sent the cost of a 55-litre tank to £62.85 – an increase of £1.77. Diesel went up by a similar amount – 2.95p a litre – from 115.09p to 118.04p, making a complete fill-up £1.62p more expensive at £64.92.

The price of oil was stable throughout July finishing at $42.95 a barrel very similar to the beginning of the month. The wholesale price of petrol fell 2p across the month to 84.66p a litre, signalling that retailers should be reducing their pump prices slightly in the next week or two. Diesel also came down but only very slightly (0.22p) to 87.39p.

At the big four supermarkets, the average price of a litre of petrol increased by nearly 3.5p (3.43p) to 109.14p and diesel by 3.33p to 113.52p – this means refuelling at supermarket is an average of 5p a litre cheaper for unleaded and 4.5p for diesel.

Asda offered the cheapest supermarket unleaded by the end of July at 108.63p (up 2p) with the others all averaging just over 109p a litre. It also had the lowest price diesel at 112.68p ahead of Sainsbury’s on 113.39p – Morrisons and Tesco were both at 114p.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “July was another bad month for drivers with a 3p a litre rise in the price of fuel. This means petrol’s 7p a litre more expensive than it was at the end of May (107p on 31 May) and diesel is 6p more (111.86p on 31 May), something drivers will no doubt have noticed as each complete fill-up is costing almost £2 more.

“The higher prices at the pump have been driven by the cost of oil increasing steadily to around $42 a barrel from a low of $13.21 in April. But drivers may well be given some respite as oil producers are planning on ramping up production despite the risk of renewed lockdowns around the world.

“This could easily lead to supply outstripping demand and therefore a reduction on the forecourts of the UK. As it there is some scope for retailers to already be reducing their prices. If they play fair with drivers we ought to see 2p a litre come off the price of unleaded and nearer 4p come off diesel.”

Regional fuel price variation

Regional average unleaded pump prices

Unleaded01/07/202030/07/2020Change
UK average111.06114.273.21
Wales109.74113.193.45
East111.17114.603.43
South West110.68114.103.42
Scotland110.84114.133.29
South East112.04115.253.21
London112.21115.383.17
North West110.69113.853.16
Yorkshire And The Humber110.62113.733.11
North East110.17113.253.08
West Midlands111.21114.273.06
East Midlands111.06114.113.05
Northern Ireland108.18111.203.02

Regional average diesel pump prices:

Diesel01/07/202030/07/2020Change
UK average115.09118.042.95
East115.65118.923.27
Scotland114.67117.813.14
South East116.21119.343.13
North West114.53117.553.02
Wales114.11117.052.94
West Midlands115.27118.152.88
London116.18119.032.85
South West115.13117.972.84
North East114.02116.852.83
East Midlands115.21117.982.77
Yorkshire And The Humber114.72117.322.60
Northern Ireland111.97114.462.49

Green – cheapest/least; red – most expensive/most

Motorists can keep abreast of the latest fuel prices by visiting the RAC Fuel Watch webpage.