Tag: transport

Oh, oh: Council to launch ‘Leith Connections’ active travel project

MORE DISRUPTION FOR BELEAGUERED LEITH BUSINESSES?

Work will soon begin on a scheme to create safer, more welcoming places to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in Leith, the city council has announced.

The first phase of Leith Connections will introduce measures to limit through traffic and enhance streets for pedestrians and people cycling in areas around Constitution Street, Leith Links and the Shore.

Construction will begin in the week commencing 10 April and is expected to last until late June. Amongst the changes are improved pedestrian crossings, planting and seating in newly created pedestrian spaces, community-inspired artwork and pavement decluttering.

This is alongside new traffic layouts in several of the streets to prioritise people travelling by foot, wheel or bike. These include the closure of Sandport Place Bridge to motor traffic, bus gates at the Shore and Links Place and modal filters to prevent through traffic in some areas.

All residential and business properties will still be accessible by motor vehicle, while blue badge parking will be unaffected. Full details are available on the Leith Connections website.

Leith Connections designs draw from two years of engagement with the community and local stakeholders, encompassing online co-design workshops, public drop-in sessions and focused meetings. Some of the measures, those to the east of the Shore, will be implemented on a trial basis under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).

The project is being funded through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Leith Connections is a really exciting opportunity to create safer, more welcoming spaces to walk, wheel and cycle in Leith, as well as for spending time with friends or visiting local businesses.

“These changes have drawn on feedback from the community, as well as the Council’s own monitoring. They will also provide better connections to popular walking and cycling routes nearby, like the north Edinburgh path network and the Water of Leith walkway and soon, protected cycle lanes on Leith Walk, delivered as part of the Trams to Newhaven project.

“The team has drawn up a robust monitoring and evaluation plan so that once it’s in place, they can understand the benefits and impacts of Leith Connections. I look forward to hearing what the community thinks too, as part of the ETRO process. I shall be watching this installation closely as I am keen to see more schemes like this in Edinburgh.

Michael Melton, Grant Manager at Sustrans, said: “We are pleased to be working with City of Edinburgh Council to make Leith a safer and more accessible place to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time. The Leith Connections project has been shaped by the local community, with changes including new traffic layouts, improved pedestrian crossings and community-inspired artwork.

Officers will closely monitor the impact of the project through automatic traffic counts, air quality monitoring, market research and focus groups. Information gathered will feed into recommendations for the future of the project.

Further phases of Leith Connections will deliver protected cycle lanes running from the Foot of the Walk to Ocean Terminal (delivered in parallel to the Trams to Newhaven project) and from the Hawthornvale path to Seafield.

These plans are still under development and will include additional improvements to the public spaces in the area.

Find out more about Leith Connections.

More traffic chaos looms: Haymarket Terrace to close until NOVEMBER

Yet more misery for businesses and residents

Haymarket Terrace will be temporarily closed eastbound from 3 April as part of a project to transform the area for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The road will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November.

The traffic disruption is dreadful news for local traders who have already seen their trade hammered during the city council’s controversial City Centre West to East link (CCWEl) works. The work was planned to take seven months but has seriously overran and some businesses fear that the latest disruption could be the final straw.

The local gas network will be upgraded by SGN at the same time.

The Council has requested SGN divert a gas main to allow for City Centre West to East link (CCWEL) construction. SGN will carry out the necessary diversion and renewal of the gas main at the same time, to minimise disruption as much as possible. SGN’s work is scheduled to last 12 weeks, while CCWEL construction in the area is expected to finish in January 2024.

Haymarket Terrace will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November 2023. A signed diversion route will be put in place for traffic travelling eastbound via Magdala Crescent, Eglinton Crescent, Palmerston Place, Lansdowne Crescent and Grosvenor Street. Temporary bus stops will be placed along this route.

Once complete, CCWEL will connect Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End with a safe and direct cycle route, as well as significantly enhancing streets for those walking, wheeling and spending time there.

This will tie into a new George Street cycling route delivered as part of the George Street and First New Town project.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “In consultation with Lothian Buses, we’ve worked closely with SGN to make sure these two major projects are carried out together to reduce disruption as much as we can for residents, visitors and people travelling through the area.

“CCWEL is a landmark scheme for the city, providing a safe, welcoming route for all those travelling from the east to west by foot, wheel or bike, as well as transforming public spaces along the way to help support local businesses. Using funding from Sustrans to invest in active travel projects like this supports our net zero goals, boosts the local economy, and helps improve people’s health and wellbeing.

“I’d like to thank all those who live, work or run a business along the route for their patience as we carry out these improvements.”

SGN Project Manger Matthew Ferguson said: “Carrying out our gas main diversion and renewal work at this time will both allow the CCWEL project to progress and reduce disruption for the local community and commuters in future.

“Our work involves replacing our existing metal gas pipes with new plastic pipe, which will ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area for many years to come.”

During the closure, eastbound bus stops will be relocated to Magdala Crescent and Grosvenor Street and the Haymarket taxi rank will be removed with alternative locations available nearby.

Information on bus diversions can be found on Lothian Buses’ website.

CCWEL is funded by Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure scheme backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans. Find out more about the CCWEL project.

Community groups launch ‘Let’s go for 1 in 5’ campaign to cut car use by 20% across Scotland

Scottish members of a grassroots ‘community rail’ movement are joining forces to support a shift to greener, healthier, fairer transport, and encouraging people to ditch the car for one in five journeys when they can.

The country’s network of community rail partnerships, supported by Community Rail Network and Paths for All, used the 2023 Rail Scotland Conference to launch their ‘Let’s go for 1 in 5’ campaign, in support of Transport Scotland’s commitment to cutting car use by 20% by 2030. They used the conference to explore how the rail industry can play a key role, working with communities, to support more sustainable journeys that work for everyone and protect our climate.

From the Borders to the Highlands, Scotland’s community rail partnerships engage communities with their local railways and stations, enabling and encouraging more people to get around sustainably by train. Since the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow, they have been raising awareness of how green rail is compared to driving (see statistics below), and working with communities and rail partners to make it easier to use the train combined with walking, wheeling and cycling, buses and community transport.

Transport is the largest contributor to climate emissions in Scotland. In response to the climate emergency, Transport Scotland has committed to reducing emissions by 75% by 2030, and net-zero by 2045. Rail accounted for just 1% of UK domestic transport emissions in 2019, despite representing 7% of the total distance travelled, and for a 30-mile journey, travelling by train instead of by car can reduce emissions by up to 86%.

Community Rail Network chief executive Jools Townsend told the conference how community rail, and the new campaign, contributes to Scotland’s vision of a sustainable, inclusive, safe and accessible transport system. This allied to some of the major themes of the event – which also featured an address from Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth MSP – such as modal shift from road to rail and the rail network’s net-zero targets.

Ms Townsend said: “Cutting car use by 20% is crucial to tackling the climate emergency, and it can unleash great benefits for communities and families too, by improving health and wellbeing, addressing the cost of living, and making our streets and communities safer, nicer places.

“But we know it’s not so simple as ‘persuading’ people to ditch the car: as well as raising awareness we need to break down barriers and widen access to public and community transport, combined with walking, wheeling and cycling.

“Community rail and other locally-led initiatives have a vital part to play. We’re all about helping communities to feel confident and positive about rail and sustainable travel, addressing issues and worries people might have, and helping communities to have a voice and shape a green and inclusive transport future.

“We’re encouraging communities across Scotland to get involved, and for drivers to consider how they can help Scotland make the ‘1 in 5’ switch, to more climate-safe and community-friendly journeys.”

Community rail works across Britain to develop the place of railways and stations at the heart of local communities, and help communities get maximum benefit from rail. This growing, thriving grassroots movement, brought together under Community Rail Network, is made up of 76 community rail partnerships and 1,200+ station friends’ groups and other local groups.

Scotland’s eight community rail partnerships, who will lead on activities linked to the ‘Let’s go for 1 in 5’ campaign are: Borders Railway Community Partnership; South West Scotland CRP; East Lothian CRP; Strathallan CRP; Highland Main Line CRP; Rail 74 CRP; 6VT Youth CRP and West Highland CRP.

The partnerships are supported by Community Rail Network and the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme, funded by Transport Scotland and administered by Paths for All. This support helps to develop projects and deliver work promoting sustainable journeys with rail at their heart.

Graham McQueen, Smarter Choices, Smarter Places manager, said:“Paths for All’s Smarter Choices Smarter Places Open Fund is about supporting local and community-based transport solutions to the climate crisis.

“We want to see more people walking, cycling and using more sustainable forms of transport for their everyday journeys.  Projects like this that encourage people to get out of their cars and travel more sustainably are fantastic examples of how grassroots community organisations can lead on the changes we need to make happen”.

Work begins on new ‘green corridor’

Work is set to get underway to transform public spaces along a route between Roseburn and the Union Canal, creating a ‘green corridor’ and cycleway and bringing disused areas back into community use.

Construction on the £12.5m Roseburn to Union Canal Active Travel Route and Greenspace Improvements project will begin on 30 January, when site preparation starts, and is expected to last until April 2024. The scheme is split into three sections – Sauchiebank Gardens, Duff Street Woodland and Dalry Community Park.

Funding for the project has been provided by Sustrans through its Places for Everyone programme, an active travel infrastructure fund backed by the Scottish Government, which helps deliver walking, wheeling and cycling improvements across the country.

Amongst improvements are two new bridges crossing over the Mid Calder railway line and Dalry Road leading to Dalry Community Park, community gardens at Sauchiebank and Duff Street and upgrades to the sports pitch and playpark at Dalry Community Park, designs for which were developed in consultation with Dalry Primary School pupils.

The project will also provide a key link in Edinburgh’s active travel network, delivering a 4m wide pedestrian and cycle path connecting the North Edinburgh Path Network to Fountainbridge alongside new pedestrian crossings and access points.

A comprehensive planting strategy will allow the active management of currently underused and largely inaccessible woodland, helping to create healthier and more diverse woodland with longer-term opportunities to enhance its ecological value. This will involve planting almost 5000 woodland and semi-mature trees. Approximately 450 trees will be felled in order to deliver the project, including trees which have been identified as ash and would be removed as part of long-term maintenance planning.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “This project will transform the route between Roseburn and the Union Canal, where disused and inaccessible areas will become welcoming, green community spaces encouraging biodiversity and play.

“It will also plug a gap in the city’s active travel network by providing a high-quality pedestrian and cycle path between Fountainbridge and the extremely popular North Edinburgh Path Network, as well as leading to the City Centre West to East Link, which is currently under construction.

“We’ll do everything we can to minimise disruption over the coming year and we’ll continue to keep residents up to date as we progress the scheme.”

Roseburn to Union Canal’s final design builds on several years of engagement with the public and stakeholders and aligns with the City Mobility Plan in supporting people to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in their local community, in turn contributing to the city’s net zero carbon goals.

Michael Melton, Grant Manager for Sustrans, said: “We’re delighted to see works now starting on the Roseburn to Union Canal project in Edinburgh. After several years of design and engagement with the local community, this transformative project will not only provide a vital connection for walking, wheeling, and cycling in the heart of the city, but will also serve as an accessible greenspace for everyone to enjoy.“

“The project site will be fenced off from 6 February, and Dalry Community Park will also be closed from 6 February for the duration of construction.

Between 20 February and 23 March the two-lane section of the West Approach Road, between Westfield Road and Dalry, will close so that safe construction work can begin. A diversion will be in place to help minimise disruption.

The section between the Dundee Street ramps and Lothian Road will remain open. Further information on changes to bus services can be found on Lothian Buses’ website.

Find out more about the Roseburn to Union Canal Active Travel Route and Greenspace Improvements project.

Severe weather could spell trouble for those driving home for Christmas, RoSPA warns

  • Weather projected to include rain, sleet, snow and fog 
  • ‘Troll from Trondheim’ may lead to difficult driving conditions 
  • 2021 saw 13 people killed, 356 seriously injured and 1,781 slightly injured due to winter weather 

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is issuing road safety advice ahead of the potential hazardous weather conditions forecasted for the coming days. With echoes of the Beast from the East, the ‘Troll from Trondheim’ may lead to difficult driving conditions.  

In 2021, there were 13 people were killed, 356 seriously injured and 1,781 slightly injured in reported road accidents on Great Britain’s roads when there was snow or frost/ice on the road surface.  

Becky Guy, Road Safety Manager, England at RoSPA, said: “The most important thing to remember about driving and riding safely in wintry weather is to be prepared. Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition and add enough time for a journey so you are less likely to rush to make up for any delays. 

“In extreme conditions, only make a journey if it is absolutely necessary. Don’t drive or ride as normal on snow or ice, but reduce your speed to avoid the chance of skidding. Remember to increase stopping distances massively as you may need up to ten times the normal distance when braking on icy roads. 

“Speed limits are the maximum for ideal conditions, so in difficult conditions, they are often too fast, especially on bends and corners.” 

RoSPA’s tips for driving in extreme weather conditions can be found at its online Winter Safety Hub and include: 

  • Check your lights are clean and working, and you may want to carry a blanket, a pair of boots, a shovel, a high-visibility jacket and a mobile phone (although don’t use it when you’re driving) in case you get stuck in the snow 
  • If you’re on two wheels, ensure that you are wearing the appropriate winter riding gear 
  • Clear your windows, visor and mirrors completely of snow and ice before you set off (make sure the heater is blowing warm air before setting off – it will keep your windscreen clear) 
  • Keep the windscreen and windows clean and the washer bottle filled with screen wash to the correct concentration (which may be a stronger concentration during below-freezing temperatures) 
  • Items to carry in the car include de-icing equipment (keep some in the house or garage too), a first aid kit (in good order) and a working torch 
  • Avoid harsh braking and acceleration, or sharp steering, particularly on a bend as this could cause your vehicle to spin or skid. To brake on ice and snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use your brakes gently
  • If you’re riding a motorcycle, increase the distance to the vehicle in front, check your lights (including brake lights) regularly and use more engine braking and rear brake in wet or slippery conditions 
  • Visibility will probably be reduced, so use dipped headlights. 

Brand new fuel costs calculator guides motorists on how much they can save

The RAC has warned motorists that petrol prices could be set to rise again, due to a cut in oil exports that could see prices rise at the pumps.

With petrol prices becoming an increasing concern for many commuters, it’s no surprise that commuters are considering making the switch to an Electric Vehicle (EV).

Sales of electric cars (including fully electric and plug-in hybrids) doubled in 2021 to a new record of 6.6 million. 

To help consumers better understand the savings that switching to an EV can make, Select Car Leasing has launched a brand-new Fuel Cost Calculator. The new tool summarises how much a motorist can save, on average, comparing traditional fuel vs electric cars. 

https://www.selectcarleasing.co.uk/guides/fuel-cost-calculator

Due to the Energy Price Guarantee, brought in on 1st October, the fuel cost per mile in an electric car is lower if you charge at home, compared to using a public rapid charger, where the average price per kilowatt hour (kWh) is 63.29p. Home electricity prices, on the other hand, have been capped at 34p per kWh. Charging at home can also often be cheaper if customers are on a dual-rate tariff that allows for off-peak plug-ins. 

How does the calculator work?

The fuel calculator works on the assumption that the cost of a litre of fuel is £1.71, in line with current petrol and diesel prices, and that a typical, traditionally-fuelled vehicle has an efficiency of 39.5 mpg. 

It also assumes that you’re charging an electric car at home at a cost of 34p per kWh, in line with the Energy Price Guarantee. It also works on the assumption that an electric car has an average efficiency of 3.5 miles per kWh – something Select says is a ‘conservative’ figure, with EVs often much more efficient. The Fiat 500 electric, for example, has an efficiency rating of 4.8 miles per kWh. 

By using the calculator’s slider, you can work out fuel prices depending on your annual mileage.

If you, for example, cover 10,000 miles annually, the calculator reveals that it would cost £1,973 to fuel a petrol or diesel car for the year, but just £971 to recharge an electric car. That’s a potential saving of £1,002. 

The table below shows how much petrol/diesel is per mile and illustrates how the electric vs petrol/diesel car comparison favours electric, especially when charging off-peak.

 Cost per MileVehicle EfficiencyFuel Cost
Electric Car – Off-peak2.1p3.5 miles per kWh7.5p per kWh
Electric Car – Energy Price Guarantee9.7p3.5 miles per kWh34p per kWh
Diesel Car19.0p43 mpg£1.80 per litre
Petrol Car20.6p36 mpg£1.63 per litre

What if I can only charge my electric car in public?

Some public charging points are free to use. For example, at Tesco you can often charge for free while you shop.

However, to use the more advanced, faster public chargers – known as ‘rapid’ chargers – you nearly always have to pay. Rates typically vary from about 30p per kWh to as much as 70p per kWh.

If you only use rapid chargers occasionally, you will still save a lot of money by switching to electric motoring.

If you do most of your charging at rapid charging stations, then your savings will be much less and it might even be cheaper in a petrol or diesel car, depending on what kWh rate you pay.

Network of electric vehicle chargers goes live across Edinburgh

Transport leaders have tested out one of a newly operational network of on-street electric vehicle chargers in Edinburgh, as the nation marks Scotland’s Climate Week.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson joined Edinburgh’s Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur, on the eve of World EV Day, to see one of the new charge points, funded by £2.3 million awarded through Transport Scotland’s Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund.

In total, 81 new chargers (141 charging bays) were installed and went live this summer across the city, including 41 rapid and fast chargers (72 bays) at on-street locations with the remainder provided at Hermiston and Ingliston Park and Ride sites.

The roll-out is designed to encourage and support the take-up of cleaner, low emission transport like electric vehicles. Motor transport contributes significantly to carbon emissions, and the switch to more sustainable transport is essential to the city’s Net Zero target, which is also a key aim of Scotland’s Climate Week.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “During Scotland’s Climate Week and ahead of World EV Day, I’m pleased to welcome these new EV charge points across Edinburgh to the ChargePlace Scotland network.

“Phasing out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, to help respond to the climate emergency, can only be achieved if drivers have the range confidence that comes from readily available charging infrastructure. These latest charge points help provide that confidence to people who require EV charging in the capital.

“Our previous funding approaches have helped us deliver the most public electric vehicle charging points outside of London, and the most rapid charge points anywhere in the UK. We now want to see greater private sector investment and involvement in line with our draft vision for Scotland’s public EV charging network – delivering more infrastructure faster and in way that is more accessible than ever before.”

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I am delighted that we are expanding on-street electric vehicle chargers across the Capital in a way that does not leave footpaths cluttered with cables and chargers. These new chargers will provide convenient charging for residents and visitors alike travelling around the city.

“Increasing the provision for greener technologies such as electric cars is a vital step in our wider plan for decarbonising transport in Edinburgh and for reaching our goal to become a net-zero carbon city by 2030, which is brought into sharp focus during Scotland’s Climate Week.

“Of course, choosing to walk, cycle or use public transport is the best travel decision people can make if they want to help us in our net-zero ambition.”

Charges and maximum stay periods depend on the type of charger (standard, fast or rapid) with full details available on the Council website.

Further information on the types and locations of charging points in Edinburgh can be found on ChargePlace Scotland’s website.

Find out more about electric vehicle charging on the Council website.

Self-driving revolution ‘to boost economy and improve road safety’

New plan for self-driving vehicles plus a consultation on a safety ambition

  • government unveils plan to rollout self-driving vehicles on UK roads, sparking a transport revolution to improve road safety and better connect communities
  • estimated 38,000 new jobs could be created in the UK from predicted £42 billion industry
  • backed by £100 million to support industry investment and fund research on safety developments

UK roads could see self-driving vehicles rolled out by 2025 thanks to new government plans – backed by £100 million – which prioritise safety through new laws and create thousands of new jobs in the industry.

Some vehicles, including cars, coaches and lorries, with self-driving features could be operating on motorways in the next year, and today’s (19 August 2022) plans set out new legislation which will allow for the safe wider rollout of self-driving vehicles by 2025. This enables the UK to take full advantage of the emerging market of self-driving vehicles – which could create up to 38,000 jobs and could be worth an estimated £42 billion.

The government’s vision for self-driving vehicles is backed by a total of £100 million, with £34 million confirmed today for research to support safety developments and inform more detailed legislation. This could include researching the performance of self-driving cars in poor weather conditions and how they interact with pedestrians, other vehicles, and cyclists.

The government is also today confirming £20 million, as part of the overall £100 million, to help kick-start commercial self-driving services and enable businesses to grow and create jobs in the UK, following an existing £40 million investment.

Successful projects could help see, for example, groceries delivered to customers by self-driving vehicles, or shuttle pods assisting passengers when moving through airports. £6 million will also be used for further market research and to support commercialisation of the technology.

Self-driving vehicles could revolutionise public transport and passenger travel, especially for those who don’t drive, better connect rural communities and reduce road collisions caused by human error. Further in the future, they could, for example, provide tailored on-demand links from rural towns and villages to existing public transport options nearby. They could also provide more direct and timely services that enable people to better access vital services such as schools and medical appointments.

Vehicles that can drive themselves on motorways could be available to purchase within the next year, which users would need a valid driving licence for, so they can drive on other roads. Other self-driving vehicles, for example used for public transport or delivery, expected on the roads by 2025, would not need anyone onboard with a driving licence because they would be able to drive themselves for the whole journey.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The benefits of self-driving vehicles have the potential to be huge. Not only can they improve people’s access to education and other vital services, but the industry itself can create tens of thousands of job opportunities throughout the country.

“Most importantly, they’re expected to make our roads safer by reducing the dangers of driver error in road collisions.

“We want the UK to be at the forefront of developing and using this fantastic technology, and that is why we are investing millions in vital research into safety and setting the legislation to ensure we gain the full benefits that this technology promises.”

The government is today consulting on a ‘safety ambition’ for self-driving vehicles to be as safe as a competent and careful human driver. This ambition would inform standards that vehicles need to meet to be allowed to ‘self-drive’ on the roads, and organisations, such as manufacturers, could face sanctions if standards are not met.

The new laws for the safe rollout of self-driving vehicles by 2025 will be brought forward when parliamentary time allows.

The legislation will build on existing laws, and state that manufacturers are responsible for the vehicle’s actions when self-driving, meaning a human driver would not be liable for incidents related to driving while the vehicle is in control of driving.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “Self-driving vehicles have the potential to revolutionise people’s lives, particularly by helping those who have mobility issues or rely on public transport to access the jobs, local shops and vital services we all depend on.

“This funding will help unlock the incredible potential of this industry, attracting investment, developing the UK’s growing self-driving vehicle supply chain, and supporting high-skill jobs as these new means of transport are rolled out.”

AA president, Edmund King, said: “The automotive world is changing rapidly and so the government is right to embrace the positive changes offered by this new technology and back it by funding research and putting forward legislation. Assisted driving systems, for example, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, are already helping millions of drivers stay safe on the roads.

“It is still quite a big leap from assisted driving, where the driver is still in control, to self-driving, where the car takes control. It is important that the government does study how these vehicles would interact with other road users on different roads and changing weather conditions. However the ultimate prize, in terms of saving thousands of lives and improving the mobility of the elderly and the less mobile, is well worth pursuing.”

Today also sees the publication of the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation’s (CDEI) Responsible Innovation in Self-Driving Vehicles report, which sets out proposals for a trustworthy approach to the regulation and governance of self-driving vehicles.

Scottish ministers discuss rail strike contingency plans

UK Government urged to resolve pay dispute

A meeting of the Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) has been told of the impact of UK-wide rail strikes on Scotland.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney was joined by Ministers including Transport Secretary Michael Matheson and Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth to hear of the latest situation.

The Transport Minister yesterday wrote to the UK Government calling for a swift resolution to the dispute.

Tuesday marked the first of three days of strike action this week, with more planned for Thursday and Saturday with the possibility of further action over the summer. Due to shift patterns the entire week is being disrupted, rather than just the three selected dates.

SGoRR has been up and running since this morning and will be in operation until Sunday evening to monitor impacts and oversee and co-ordinate the response from Ministers.

The meeting also heard about extra preparedness around major events such as the Royal Highland Show, freight mitigation plans from major retailers to keep supermarkets stocked as much as possible, and wider resilience plans.

Speaking after chairing the meeting, Mr Swinney said: “With a busy summer upon us, there needs to be more urgency from UK Ministers and the Department for Transport to get this situation fixed – and fast.  The lack of action being taken by the UK Government is a dereliction of duty.

“We have had our own issues in Scotland but the difference between our approach and that of the UK Government could not be more stark. We have sought dialogue, compromise and agreement, whereas the UK Government has deliberately inflamed the situation causing misery for the travelling public.

“This afternoon’s meeting was an opportunity to hear from agencies and responders about the plans that are in place, and I am confident that the mitigations we can take are being taken, but we heard of the serious impact it is having on many areas and sectors of Scotland such as tourism, freight and major events.

“I am grateful to the travelling public for their considerable patience and for checking ahead, seeking alternatives, and working flexibly, where possible. Our resilience arrangements will remain in place for the rest of the week, however I am in no doubt that this situation can and should be addressed by the UK Government.

“The public have suffered enough and our major events organisers need to be able to look and plan ahead with certainty.”

Council consults on sustainable transport connections across city

Views are being sought on proposals to improve walking, wheeling and cycling, plus public transport links, parks and public spaces, around new and future residential developments across the city.

Plans have been developed for four neighbourhoods identified as significant areas of new residential development in Edinburgh’s Local Development Plan – Leith, Lochend and Easter Road, Queensferry and Burdiehouse.

Amongst the potential measures are walking, cycling and public realm upgrades complementing changes already proposed through the Leith Connections project, pavement widening, dropped kerbs and placemaking improvements around Lochend and Easter Road and segregated cycle lanes and enhanced crossings in the Burdiehouse area.

These have been drawn up in close collaboration with the Council’s public transport team and in discussion with bus operators – improving access to bus stops is an important component of the schemes.

In Queensferry, changes in the Echline Estate, the Builyeon Road development, Viewforth Road, Scotstoun Avenue and Queensferry High School would make it easier and more pleasant to travel by foot, wheel or bike, especially to Dalmeny station and a planned new primary school at Builyeon Road.

A new linear park would be introduced on part of the current Builyeon Road route as well as ‘pocket parks’ and tree-planting.

Proposals support Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan by encouraging people to make healthier, more sustainable transport choices, and align to our 20-minute neighbourhood strategy. This aims to help residents meet their daily needs within 20 minutes of their homes by walking, using public transport, wheeling or cycling.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Over the coming years we’re going to see tens of thousands of new houses built in Edinburgh, and it’s essential that we support residents in these homes, and those living nearby, to make healthy, sustainable transport choices.

“These proposals target areas where new developments are planned or are already underway and look to make improvements or introduce new infrastructure – like cycle lanes, widened pavements and safer crossings – to help people move around their neighbourhood, and further afield, by foot, wheel or bike.

“It’s crucial that we support travel by bus, tram and train as well as active travel, which is why we’ve worked closely with our public transport team and with providers to develop these plans – for example they will significantly improve access to bus stops and will transform travel on foot and bike from the Builyeon Road area in Queensferry to Dalmeny rail station.

“Recent research has shown that most people would walk, wheel or cycle more if they could access local amenities more easily. We need to encourage this kind of behaviour change if we are to achieve net zero goals, healthier lifestyles and a more pleasant city for future generations.

“This is how things used to be, and it is a great way of supporting local jobs. People’s feedback and ideas will be really important as the Council develops these proposals, and I’ll also be working closely with local councillors to ensure your voice is heard.”

Four separate consultations will run until 17 July and feedback will help inform the design process in each of the areas.

Drop-in events, where people can view proposals and provide feedback, will take place over the period of the consultations. Proposals for Queensferry will be on show at Queensferry Community Centre on 30 June (3pm to 7pm) and for Burdiehouse at Valley Park Community Centre on 30 June (3.30pm to 7.15pm). Further drop-ins are being arranged and will be announced in the coming weeks and publicised on the Council’s consultation web pages.

In Leith, proposals form phase three of Leith Connections. Consultations have already been undertaken on recommendations for phase one, a high-quality cycle track between Foot of the Walk and Ocean Terminal, and phase two, a low traffic neighbourhood where through traffic is removed and new community spaces are created.

View the full proposals and take part in the consultations online:

Walk Wheel Cycle Burdiehouse 
Queensferry – walking, wheeling and cycling improvements 
Lochend and Easter Road – walking, wheeling and cycling improvements 
Leith Connections: Phase 3 west – east proposals.