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Edinburgh gets first low traffic neighbourhood

Edinburgh City Council to introduce their first low traffic neighbourhood to the East Craigs area of the city. 

This scheme is part of the Spaces for People improvements, a programme to introduce new infrastructure across Scotland to make it safer for people to walk, cycle or wheel during COVID-19. 

Interventions in East Craigs include the introduction of cycle lanes, closing roads to ‘through traffic’ and a new bus gate.

The hope is that these low traffic neighbourhoods will reduce the impact of motor traffic of neighbourhoods by creating people-friendly spaces and encouraging physical activity. 

Once the plans have been implemented, the council will monitor the effects of the low traffic neighbourhoods, making amendments if necessary and engaging with the local community to help shape the scheme. 

Transport and Environment Cllr 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 Cllr Karen Doran added: ‘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.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay 

Pippa Neill
Reporter.
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