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)
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