Deputation from South West Edinburgh 20 Minute Neighbourhoods (SW20) - 7th March 2024
Item 7.3: Travelling Safely Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Connection
Our deputation forms a single question – one that we would like all councillors to
address in summing up their proposals, amendments and positions in debate today.
We anticipate many will advocate for a ‘balanced decision’ today.
In reaching this
balance based on the Council’s (and worldwide) evidence, that on one side of the
scales (Option 1 Braid Estate and Option 2 Clinton Road only) that:
• has 4000+ fewer vehicle movements a day (mostly non-residents), with
reduced noise, pollution and emissions and, crucially, lower risk of road traffic
injury
• delivers better pedestrian safety throughout
• displaces almost no traffic (less than 2% increase)
• retains access to every home by vehicle
• makes no change to change to existing parking
• reduced speeding (up to 10mph)
• makes cycling safe throughout most of the Braid estate, rather than only
streets with segregated cycling
• contributes significantly, not detracts, from 30% car km targets
• supports a bike bus without additional investment
• makes junctions within the estate significantly safer for all users
• does not induce traffic
• links the two South Morningside Primary campuses much more effectively
• encourages health lifestyles
• contributes to climate goals
• benefits the least well off in society the most
• meets four out of five parties’ manifestos
• is deliverable immediately
• is at least £200k-£400k cheaper and does not impact other active travel
projects
What is on the other side of the scales?