Edinburgh's temporary traffic changes might turn out to be permanent, but city must tackle serious environmental issues – Steve Cardownie

It was interesting to read in Monday’s paper that Conservative Councillor Jason Rust believes the new traffic measures introduced throughout the city by temporary traffic regulation orders (TTROs) may be here to stay, saying: “There is a concern that measures which are billed as temporary will by stealth suddenly become permanent.”

Floating bus stop (Pic: Councillor Scott Arthur)

The introduction of road closures, new cycle lanes and wider pavements could, under the current legislation, last for up to 18 months but as there is insufficient money in the council’s budget to restore the streets to their former status, Councillor Rust is worried that many, if not all, of the new traffic initiatives will remain.

He may well have a point and the council may have inadvertently revealed its hand by not setting aside the monies that would be required to reinstate the previous set-up. But there is an air of inevitability around the council’s desire to take every opportunity to reduce congestion, promote cleaner air, encourage the use of public transport and make it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to go about their business, all laudable aims for sure.

As a pedestrian, public transport user and car driver, I can appreciate that these kind of measures may well be necessary however, given public support, there should surely be no need for the council to be less than transparent about its intentions.

Edinburgh is not alone in introducing such measures and there are many cities across the globe that have done so already – if we are serious about addressing pressing environmental issues, we have no alternative but to follow suit, the status quo is not an option.

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