THE City of Edinburgh Council has said it envisions a more relaxing capital as it seeks a green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of this, the local authority has launched a community engagement exercise to help develop proposals for low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in three parts of the city. Residents’ views on travel choices and spaces for movement will be used in the planning.
Further work in Leith will see the development of a protected cycle lane between the Foot of the Walk and Ocean Terminal, which the council said will complement the adjacent trams to Newhaven project.
Lesley Macinnes, transport and environment convener at The City of Edinburgh Council, said, “As we look to make a green recovery from the pandemic, it’s important that we get back to work on our long-term plans to support sustainable, active travel and healthy communities, where children can play safely and air pollution is reduced.
“There’s a range of research to show the positive impact LTNs can have on reducing ‘through’ traffic and encouraging people to walk, cycle, wheel and spend time in local areas. We want to bring these benefits to neighbourhoods across Edinburgh and to make sure the changes work for everyone, which is why we want to hear from as many people as possible.”
Karen Doran, transport and environment vice convener at The City of Edinburgh Council, added, “We envision a much safer, more relaxing and ‘people-friendly’ capital, which is why we’re developing LTNs for different communities. By introducing them on an experimental basis we want to involve the people that live here in their evolution, and their participation begins now, as we start to develop designs.”
