Edinburgh City Council drops plans to close long stretch of country road under Spaces for People scheme

Council chiefs have dropped proposals which would have closed a long stretch of road frequently used by emergency services to get across the city.

The road is often used by ambulances and other emergency services

Blocking off part of Braid Hills Drive and Road – a country route between Greenbank and Liberton – was included in several options drawn up under Spaces for People plans to make more room for cyclists and pedestrians in the area.

But when Colinton/Fairmilehehad Labour councillor posted the plans on Facebook, members of the public branded the proposals "ridiculous" and said they sounded like an April Fool.

And now the council has said the road will remain open and tomorrow’s transport committee will be asked to approve the installation of a new two-way segregated cycle lane.

People were walking in the road because the pavement was covered in ice

Cllr Arthur welcomed the decision not to close the road, but pointed out if pedestrian safety was the concern then tackling the ice covering the pavements would be a good first step.

"There can be no doubt that there is a longstanding need to improve conditions on Braid Hills Drive/Road for pedestrians and cyclists. A reasonable starting point would be to fix the potholes and ensure the footpath is gritted."

He said the wide footpath and road meant there was ample space to install cycle lanes. But he added: "Even suggesting that Braid Hills Drive/Road could close, has caused widespread concern in my ward. Local businesses, residents, a nurse and a GP all raised concerns."

And he continued: "The footpath on Braid Hills Drive/Road is currently impassable due to snow and ice. Despite there not having been any snow for a few days, pedestrians were being forced to walk on the road.

"It’s as if with all this focus on Spaces for people the Council have lost touch with delivering the basics of keeping pedestrians safe.”

Norman Tinlin, secretary of Fairmilehead community council, said there would have been strong community opposition to closing the road.

But he also questioned whether cycle lanes were necessary. "The pavements are wide enough to take both cyclists and pedestrians," he said. "And as far as I'm aware not that many pedestrians and cyclists use it. It has a camber on it as well, which will upset the cyclists."

Transport convener Lesley Macinnes said: “We have been clear from the outset that we want to introduce changes on Braid Hills Drive through Spaces for People to provide a safer route for exercise locally, and for those making essential journeys.

“We’ve weighed up several options for achieving this and we’re recommending that the road remains open and segregated cycle lanes are installed. This allows motor vehicles to continue using the street, while providing protected space for cyclists.”

Transport vice-convener Karen Doran said: “Of course, we’re aware that ice and snow are an added barrier to walking and cycling, and our roads team have been working around the clock for weeks to make sure priority routes are kept clear. They’re doing everything they can to attend to lower priority footpaths like Braid Hills Drive as cold weather persists.”

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