Roads – Page 18 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

All change in city centre, by George!

Twelve-month trial for part-pedestrianisation and one-way system on George Street

One of Edinburgh’s best-known and busiest streets has been transformed to create a welcoming environment for pedestrians, cyclists and visitors. The new look George Street was officially opened by local workers and daily commuters yesterday.

Changes, aimed to make the area more attractive to shoppers, residents and tourists, include the introduction of a dedicated two-way cycle lane and a one-way system for general traffic and buses.

The resulting increase in pedestrian space will allow for outdoor dining facilities, exhibitions and public art, supporting an emerging café culture and encouraging footfall to the city centre, while the cycle route will connect the National Cycle network at the east and west end of the City Centre.

George Street’s development follows successful Festival periods over the last two years, when pedestrian areas were increased to allow outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants, in addition to Fringe venues.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport and Environment Convener, (pictured above) said: “As we have seen over the Festival, opening up George Street for pedestrians and cyclists can result in a much more relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.

“We want to create an inviting city centre, showing off what local businesses have to offer as well as creating an accessible space for residents, visitors and commuters. However, we will continue to cooperate with stakeholders to ensure this works for all those involved.”

Andy Neal, Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh, added: “We are delighted that the Council has agreed to go ahead with this one-year trial, as we had advocated. The aim of the part-pedestrianisation is to create a space that attracts even more people to enjoy all that the city centre has to offer – its shops, bars, restaurants, attractions and public spaces.

“A shorter pilot last year returned very encouraging figures. We are confident that a year-long pilot will show even more reasons for encouragement – and will undoubtedly illustrate ways in which we can bring about further improvements in the future.”

Proposals to develop George Street were first agreed as part of a wider city centre vision at last October’s Transport and Environment Committee and built on a review of city centre public spaces by Gehl Architects, which identified traffic-dominated streets and the quality of the pedestrian experience amongst the challenges faced.

Final designs were drawn up after a six-week consultation held with stakeholders and the public. Planners have ensured minimal changes to parking for residents and visitors, with spaces in the centre of the street, separated from new cycle lanes by rubber kerbs and decorative planters, and residents’ parking maintained in the design.

The adaptation of George Street will take the form of a year-long trial, overseen by a monitoring and evaluation group, allowing the Council to review the impact on residents, visitors, business and movement in and around the city centre before considering a more permanent solution. More than 1000 people will be interviewed on George Street during the trial to gauge their views on what they would like to see happen with the street in the long term.

Lazarowicz Bill to be debated on Friday

Mark Lazarowicz MP’s new Bill to ensure the Scottish Parliament has the power to tackle irresponsible parking in Scotland has now been printed and will be debated at Westminster on Friday (5 September).

The Bill would clarify the powers devolved to the Scottish Parliament to tackle irresponsible parking such as parking on pavements, at dropped kerbs and double parking which can present a real hazard to disabled people in particular but also pedestrians more generally who may be forced out into the road to get by.

The North and Leith Labour MP said: “This Bill would ensure that the Scottish Parliament has the power to act to tackle irresponsible parking which can be not just a nuisance but a real danger in the case of the elderly, children and people who may be visually impaired or disabled in some other way.

“There has been uncertainty over whether the Scottish Parliament has the power to legislate in this area and this Bill would cut through that by ensuring that it is devolved once and for all.

“It is devolving a practical power to tackle a public nuisance which can make people’s lives a misery and illustrates the way that devolution is a continuing process.”

The text of the Bill can be found at:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/2014-2015/0030/cbill_2014-20150030_en_1.htm

Have your say on 20mph proposals

Hinds: ‘a very important step in our journey towards a culture change in the Capital’

A consultation is now live to help draw up plans for new 20mph speed limits across the Capital. Members of the public are encouraged to take part in the consultation via the Council’s website or by attending one of the planned public meetings, roadshows and drop-in sessions being held across the City over the coming weeks.

The consultation at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/20mph asks for feedback on a map of proposed 20mph limit streets.

Following a successful pilot in South Edinburgh, a 20 mph speed limit is now proposed for the City Centre, main shopping streets and residential areas.

Recent market research and consultation in Edinburgh has shown strong support for more extensive 20mph limits. The Edinburgh People’s Survey in 2012 showed a sizeable majority in favour of 20mph limits in residential areas, shopping streets and the City Centre. And 67 per cent of people supported a 20mph limit for all city centre streets, while just five per cent opposed such a limit, with 29 per cent uncertain.

One of the key priorities of the City of Edinburgh Council’s Local Transport Strategy 2014-2019, approved earlier this year, is to consult on detailed proposals for the citywide 20mph network. Consulting “with a view to extending the current 20mph traffic zones” is also one of the Capital Coalition’s pledges.

20mph speed limits encourage more considerate driving, leading to safer streets for all road users, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. The lower speeds reduce the risk and severity of road collisions.

Reducing traffic speed helps make people feel more confident about being on their local streets and helps children and elderly people to travel independently and safely. Calmer road speeds also help to make walking and cycling more attractive options, contributing to less traffic congestion, better health, less noise, more social interaction, an improved environment for local businesses and stronger communities.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: “This consultation is a very important step in our journey towards a culture change in the Capital regarding speed limits and we want to make sure as many people as possible have had the chance to comment on the proposals.

“A couple of things it’s worth pointing out are that to reduce speeds, we’ll concentrate mainly on signage, although physical measures like pedestrian islands may be required on some residential streets where speeds don’t fall sufficiently with a signs and paint only approach.

“I also want to stress that speed humps will not be used on any main streets – ie those most likely to have bus services on them – which move to a 20mph limit. And the nature of the busier roads on which a 20mph limit is likely to be taken forward – the city centre, shopping streets and other roads with high numbers of pedestrians – means that impacts on bus journey times are expected to be very limited indeed.”

Councillor Adam McVey, Vice Transport Convener, said: “Lower speeds in residential areas and shopping streets are not just good for safety and environmental reasons. Slower traffic makes streets more attractive to residents, pedestrians, cyclists and children, improves the environment for business and enhances quality of life. Don’t miss your opportunity to help us draw up the map of 20mph streets – check out the consultation online, visit the public exhibition or drop in to one of our many information sessions and have your say.”

The public consultation closes on Friday 17 October 2014.

As well as the roadshows, public meetings and drop-in events, an exhibition of the proposals will be the Central Library, George IV Bridge from 1 – 14 September.

Maps of the proposals will also be available in the following local libraries from 1 September: Piershill, Northfield, Gilmerton, Morningside, Wester Hailes, Drumbrae Hub, McDonald Road and Muirhouse.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

A series of drop-in sessions and public meetings has been organised through the Neighbourhood Partnerships. Council officers will be available at these events to answer questions.

West:
Drop-in session on Tuesday 26 August, 4.30 to 6.30pm, Drumbrae Library Hub followed by a presentation on 20mph proposals at the Western
Neighbourhood Partnership Meeting at 7pm.

Drop-in session on Monday 8 September, 2 to 4 pm, South Queensferry Community Education Centre, Kirkliston Road.

All-day roadshow on Sunday 21 September at Gyle Shopping Centre, Gyle Avenue.

North:
Drop-in session on Wednesday 3 September, 10am to 1pm, North Edinburgh Local Office.

South West:
Drop-in session on Thursday 18 September, 2 to 4pm, Edgar Hall, Stenhouse St Aidan’s Parish Church.

Drop-in session on Monday 22 September, 2 to 4pm in Oxgangs Library.

East:
Public meeting on Wednesday 10 September, 7pm, Portobello Town Hall.

City Centre:
Public meeting on Tuesday 16 September, 7pm, City Chambers.

Roadshow on Thursday 25 September, 10 – 1pm, St James Shopping Centre.

South:
Public meeting on Tuesday 3 September, 7pm, City Chambers.

Leith:
Drop-in session on Wednesday 24 September, 6pm, Business Centre, McDonald Road Library.

Green light for West End traffic changes?

Move to simplify city centre journeys

Drivers heading for the West End from the south of the city and Lothian Road could find their journey simplified if the city council approves changes to current traffic management arrangements next week.

A review of traffic management in the city centre has been completed following the start of tram passenger services, and among the recommendations in a report to Tuesday’s Transport and Environment Committee is a proposal to allow all traffic to travel westbound from Hope Street (pictured above) to Queensferry Street, rather than buses only as at present.

Traders from the West End called for this in a deputation to the committee in March, when they pointed out that, with the removal of the left turn from Lothian Road into Shandwick Place, it had become difficult to access properties and businesses in the West End.

The report also asks members to give the go-ahead for further investigation into the option of introducing a right turn from Queen Street westbound into Queen Street Gardens East.

Another recommendation, which follows on from the start of the new Experimental Traffic Regulation Order in George Street, is to change the priority of Young Street from an eastbound to a westbound direction.

Residents and businesses here have expressed concerns about a perceived increased volume of traffic and in particular, more vans and heavy good vehicles, since the George Street scheme was first implemented earlier this summer.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: “Now that trams have been running for a couple of months or so, it’s a good time to make any appropriate alterations to surrounding traffic management so that we can make it as straightforward as possible to get from A to B in the city centre.

“We know that West End traders have had concerns about access to their businesses so the proposal to open up Hope Street for all westbound traffic into Queensferry Street should make things much better.

“I was pleased to meet recently with residents and businesses in Young Street to hear how their street has been adversely affected by increased traffic since we started the ETRO in George Street. This narrow cobbled street is simply not fit for the volume and nature of traffic it’s been experiencing of late. Changing the one-way direction will help divert traffic away from Young Street and on to Queen Street, which can accommodate commercial and through-traffic far more comfortably.”

Witness appeal as man falls from moving van

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 24-year-old man fell from a moving vehicle which then sped away from the scene. The incident took place on Raeburn Place at 5.25pm on Friday evening. Police said the vehicle, believed to be a Ford Transit van, was seen being driven erratically through Stockbridge streets after the incident.

The man who fell from the van was taken to hospital but did not suffer any serious injuries.

Two men are understood to have been in the van at the time of the incident – one, the driver, was wearing a white tee-shirt. Stockbridge was busy at the time of the incident and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Det Sgt Bob Williamson said: “Our officers are working hard and making extensive inquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened. The events described and the irresponsible actions of the van driver are obviously concerning and we would urge members of the public who may be able to identify the vehicle or its occupants to come forward immediately.”

“Anyone with information that could help the investigation should contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, phone the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

#you’dbemuchquickerwalking!

It’s fair to say North Edinburgh has it’s fair share of road repairs going on at the moment!

Week of action to tackle road litter

A call to clean up and clamp down on litter on Scotland’s roads has been issued for Scotland’s first Litter Week of Action.

Organised by Zero Waste Scotland on behalf of the Transport Litter Group, the annual day of action has been extended to a week of dedicated action to tackle litter on our roads and railways.

Commuters, employers, and transport providers and support agencies are all being encouraged to get involved from 19– 25 August.

A recent litter audit has revealed that an average of seven bottles and cans can be found on every 100 metres of Scotland’s roads, creating a hazard to road users and wildlife, and costs millions to remove.

Supporters of the Week can help to raise awareness of the negative impact and cost of transport litter. Actions available range from something simple such as adding a web banner to your website or displaying a poster in your workplace; to organising activities such as a day of awareness raising activities or targeted enforcement.

Organisations including BEAR Scotland, Scotland TranServ, Transport Scotland, McDonald’s and various local authorities have already committed to taking part in the Week.

The week of action follows the launch of a new consultation from the Scottish Government which intends to bring forward a final National Litter Strategy – the first since devolution – early in 2014. The “Towards a Litter Free Scotland” consultation will run until 27 September.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “It is shocking that on average there are four plastic bottles and three drinks cans littered on every 100 metres of our major roads in Scotland. It’s a blight, contributes to punctures and can cause accidents not to mention the fact that clearing it from our road and rail sides is a hazardous task.

“Littering is unacceptable – and in the Year of Natural Scotland and as we approach 2014 when we welcome the world to Scotland, it’s important that we show our country at its best. We have set out action to tackle Scotland’s litter problem in our National Litter Strategy consultation and are asking people to have their say on this during the summer.

“This Litter Week of Action is a great opportunity to highlight this issue and I’d encourage people to work together by taking action during the week so that we can show that littering is not tolerated here.”

Iain Gulland, Director, Zero Waste Scotland said: “2014 is set to be an important year for Scotland, with events including the Ryder Cup, Commonwealth Games and Homecoming, and as such it’s vital that we take steps to rid the country of its litter problem and show it off at its absolute best.

“Litter on the road and in transport hubs doesn’t just look bad, it’s also a waste of valuable resources. Commonly littered items like drinks bottles and cans could be recycled and help to boost the economy.

“I would urge everyone to get involved in this great week of planned activity and help to spread the message that throwing litter from vehicles or public transport is not acceptable.”

To get involved, visit

http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/content/Transport-Litter-Week-of-Action.

Respect! Road users urged to embrace the Nice Way Code

Transport Minister Keith Brown was joined by representatives from Cycling Scotland and the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) yesterday to officially launch a ground-breaking new campaign aimed at all road users.

Starting on 5 August, the Nice Way Code campaign will target pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and ask them to respect one another while out on the road. It asks people to make small changes to their behaviour on the roads, in order to make them a safer and more pleasant place for everyone. The campaign asks drivers to give cyclists more space and overtake them with care, and to look carefully for pedestrians crossing, while cyclists are asked to obey red lights and not cycle on the pavement. Pedestrians are included too, with messages about not trying to cross the road while looking at your phone.

The campaign uses TV ads, accompanied by a poster campaign which uses a humourous take on everyday road signs to deliver the serious messages in an upbeat way which encourages road users to be more respectful of each other, with the key message of ‘Let’s All Get Along. Follow the Nice Way Code.’

Funded by Transport Scotland and initiated by Cycling Scotland, the Nice Way Code campaign has the backing of major organisations that represent road users, such as the IAM, Sustrans, Paths for All and the AA.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “The Nice Way Code campaign seeks to build a culture of tolerance and patience between cyclists, motorists, pedestrians and all other road users across Scotland.

“While the numbers of road casualties in Scotland are at their lowest ever level there is still simply no room for complacency. One death on Scotland’s roads is one too many and our focus is on working with key safety partners to reduce the numbers further. I believe this campaign will play its part in making Scotland’s roads safer for all users in the future and raise awareness that road safety really is everyone’s responsibility.

“I am also pleased to announce an additional £200,000 worth of funding for implementing the learning from the pilot partnership programme ‘Smarter Choices, Smarter Places’ which will be allocated to local authorities to introduce local mapping, branding and signage to increase local active travel journeys.”

Ian Aitken, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, said: “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and it is important we move away from the ‘us and them’ mentality of some drivers, cyclists and pedestrians when in fact almost everybody falls into at least two of those categories.

” Road safety is most effectively achieved through a combination of the three E’s – engineering, education and enforcement, so we see this as being a key step towards educating people about the need for consideration of other road users. In conjunction with measures such as Police Scotland’s recent enforcement campaign to support vulnerable road users and a continued programme of infrastructure investment, this campaign will help everyone know how to respect each other in our shared road space.”

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the IAM, said: “The IAM supports the Nice Way Code campaign because we believe that sharing the road safely is the key to encouraging more cyclists on our roads.

“IAM research suggests that half of drivers already own a bike but only 19% of them actually use it regularly mainly due to safety concerns. If everyone on the roads can work together to reduce stress, give each other more room and stick to the rules then many more people will be encouraged to dig out their bikes and get back in the saddle.”

AA president Edmund King added: “We have been campaigning for years to break down the tribalism which exists on our roads between some drivers and some cyclists. Road users being individuals are all different, so sometimes they don’t conform, make mistakes or fail to show respect for others.

“When we’re on the roads we should be more at one with each other, sharing the space thoughtfully not provocatively. The Nice Way Code is a brilliant way to encourage all road users to get along in harmony, making our journeys calmer and safer.”

Ian Findlay, chief officer of Scottish charity Paths for All said: “We believe it’s important for all users of roads, paths and pavements to respect each other. It makes good sense, nobody wants to be responsible for an accident or be hurt themselves.

“Our goal is for more people to be active through walking and cycling in their everyday lives and we’ll only succeed if it’s safe and welcoming for all of us to do so. If drivers, cyclists and walkers unite in respect and consideration for one another, getting from A to B will be safer and more enjoyable for everyone.”

Superintendent Iain Murray, head of road policing for Police Scotland, said: “Mutual respect among road users can have a positive effect on road safety and I would encourage it at all times. Police Scotland recently held an initiative aimed at improving the safety of vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians and received positive feedback for our efforts in education and enforcement.

“We have seen in recent weeks the tragic consequences of cyclists and pedestrians being involved in road traffic crashes and incidents and there is a responsibility on all road users to be prepared, act responsibly and be aware of others around them at all times. Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe on Scotland’s roads and will continue to support campaigns and initiatives which help meet that commitment.”

The initiative goes live on 5 August.

Confusing Muirhouse signs in Muirhouse causing confusion!

Muirhouse man Robert Pearson is confused:

Over recent weeks, months and years contractors and Edinburgh City Council have been completing demolition in the Muirhouse area. Other than the odd articulated vehicles going the wrong way through the estate and driving past Craigroyston Primary school at 8.30am, I can say there hasn’t been any real issues.

But now that the contractors have completed their work the diversion, instruction and warning signs still remain in place, many of which now make no sense at all.

Recent high winds have dislodged the signs from there places high up on lamposts and now many are low down causing a danger to pedestrians and others are turning around when it’s windy.

Photographs show Safedem route out pointing in to the estate and others pictures show diversion ends which ended weeks ago. More dangers sign is the Pedestrians warning is at a height which if caught with the wind could easily strike a passerby.

Muirhouse View is still closed according to signage but in fact it has been open for some weeks, albeit it the road is still like a 4 x 4 track.

Hopefully Edinburgh City Council will arrange for these to be removed as soon as possible, but will they leave the large block of concrete which many of these signs poles are housed in?

Robert Pearson

On the Move in Inverleith

You may recall that we paid tribute to talented Broughton High School students in a previous post about the recent Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership community conference.

Well, on top of everything else the pupils did to ensure the conference was a success, they also took a few photographs of the event – correction, a few hundred photographs! A (very) small sample is included with this conference report by Broughton pupil Robbie Thomson:

It is always refreshing when Edinburgh youths and local residents alike are provided with the opportunity to pose any queries or concerns they may have in regards to their community. Even more encouraging is when people with the power to influence and change take the time out to listen.

Broughton High School was the venue for the Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership Community Conference on 15 November, with a focus on transport. Presented by North Edinburgh News’ very own Mr. Dave Pickering, around 100 attendees were given an opportunity to engage in open discussion with key figures of transport in Edinburgh.

The set-up consisted of six different tables; parking, winter weather, road safety, road maintenance, walking/cycling and public transport. Attendees at each table rotated throughout the course of the evening, offering everyone the chance to make their voice heard.

Mr. Tony Lear of Edinburgh City Council discussed winter weather issues at length, and with an admirable clarity. He claimed £750,000 has been funded to the local authorities by the Scottish Government to prevent expansion and water retention in potholes throughout the winter, while also confirming that more funds are to be set aside from the revenue budget for off-road cycle paths. This winter will see pre-treatment and gritting on North Edinburgh cycle paths for the first time. Mr. Lear also noted that local care homes, sheltered accommodation and school access routes are to receive priority treatment.

As parents attended in large numbers, road safety was a particular topic of interest. Many parents raised issues over the poor lighting in local streets over the winter months, and the crossing difficulties at the bottom of East Fettes Avenue. Miss Helen Bourquin also addressed concerns over cycling restrictions in the Comely Bank area.

While the cycling infrastructure in the local area was generally praised, Mr. Phil Noble announced that design standards for walking and cycling in Edinburgh are soon to be revised. The Scottish Government have also recently increased the budget for the marketing of walking and cycling. Mr. Noble also stated that in the next year, 5% of the total transport budget (around £16 million) is to be spent on cycling, which would amount to around £1.5-2 million. There was also praise for Mr. Ian Bieniowski in regards to Lothian Buses pricing system, customer service and general consistency.

Certainly worthy of a special thanks are Broughton High senior pupils Fraser Young and Calum Chapman. Voluntarily, they again devoted their time towards helping set up the technical aspects of the evening, an essential aspect in the event’s overall success – particularly the ‘warm-up’ musical performances from Broughton pupils. The pair regularly volunteer their technical knowledge and organisational acumen in all events throughout the school – they couldn’t have done it without them!

The only downside of an otherwise very encouraging evening was the technical issue with the event’s twitter feed. Broughton High School pupils who had volunteered to help out were given I-Pads to regularly update the event’s twitter feed through the hashtag #inverleithconf, but the server became unresponsive midway through the event.

Nevertheless, the evening generated very positive feedback, on the whole. It would appear that the future is bright for the local residents as far as transport is concerned.

Robbie Thomson, Broughton High School