Edinburgh Council launches major consultation on travel options and public transport

A major consultation on future transport policies for Edinburgh has been launched to gauge public opinion on issues from cycle lanes to bus stops and from parking charges to pedestrianisation.

Residents are also being asked their views on lowering speed limits, improving public transport and active travel networks, decluttering pavements, giving pedestrians more time to cross roads, widening footpaths and reducing accidents.

The consultation is seeking the public’s view on the city’s Active Travel, Public Transport, Parking, Road Safety and Air Quality Action Plans, established to form a multi-layer programme to develop more sustainable and affordable transport options across the city. Other key aims for these strategies include cutting congestion and emissions in alignment with the council’s net zero 2030 goals, as well as boosting the economy.

 

Each of the plans sits under the emerging Circulation Plan and its associated Streetspace Allocation Framework, which underpin the transition towards a less congested, more liveable, healthy and sustainable capital.

 

The council is seeking feedback on all the plans collectively, including via an online survey, public drop-ins, focus group and key stakeholder discussions and a toolkit to support community involvement.

 

Cllr Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener for Edinburgh said, “Edinburgh is a growing, evolving capital, facing the same challenges as cities around the world – from climate change and poverty to traffic congestion and poor air quality.

 

“We want to transform the way people move around the city, which we hope will go some way to addressing this, and we’re looking at how we can create safer, sustainable and affordable transport options. This is also about working to support economic growth and building people-friendly spaces across the city, while helping to end poverty and isolation. We’ve put people, particularly those with a disability, at the heart of these plans.

 

“The draft action plans set out a range of actions to achieve this, and we want to collaborate with people and businesses in Edinburgh to shape how we deliver these plans. Combining all the plans into one big city-wide conversation means we can really capture the interrelated issues and ensure actions are mutually supportive of each other.

 

What’s more, the council suggests that communities and businesses, alongside data and technical evidence, will be critical to these decisions.

 

“We need to balance different travel needs with the limited street space we have, and that’s going to involve some real dilemmas. Gathering views from our communities and businesses, alongside data and technical evidence, will be critical to these decisions. Whether you’re interested in improved public transport links, better walking, wheeling and cycling routes or making our streets more accessible and pleasant places to spend time, I’d urge you to take part in our consultation.”

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