No Road Safety Audit or Economic Impact Assessment carried out for Spaces for People initiative

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has said that City of Edinburgh Council have not followed the correct procedures for the Spaces for Peoples initiative.

The initiative has caused significant controversy since being put in place, including floating bus stops, reduced parking and increased congestion.

Local shops in the South of Edinburgh have spoken out this week about the adverse effect the initiative is having on their businesses, with a number being forced to close.

A Freedom of Information request by Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, revealed that no road safety audits or Economic Impact Assessment had been made before road closures were put in place.

A Written Answer from the Scottish Govt. responded that 56 letters or emails had been received concerning Spaces for People projects in Edinburgh which cover a range of issues.

In answer to being asked what consultation with local residents and businesses has been carried out, a City of Edinburgh Council representative responded:

“It is important that we put temporary measures in quickly as our priority is to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and support businesses. This means we are not able to follow a full engagement process but we have encouraged communities to submit their views”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “The initial measures put in place when lockdown started, to give people more spaces on pavements, were understandable.

“Edinburgh has started moving again, shops have reopened and schools are back, so traffic has come up again to pre lockdown levels.

“City of Edinburgh Council has clearly stated that they want to move towards more walking and cycling as lockdown restrictions are eased, but full public consultation must be carried out before any permanent changes are made.

“The lack of any safety audits or an Economic Impact Assessment have led to all of the issues that we have seen with the Spaces for People initiative since it was put in place.”