Spaces for People: At last, Lesley Macinnes and I can agree on something – Helen Martin

For once I can agree with Edinburgh’s Transport Convener Lesley Macinnes, who has annoyed thousands of citizens with her Spaces for People plans.

Transport and environment convener Lesley Macinnes

I support cycle lanes, and even extending pavements if it isn’t causing other problems, which is usually does. The parking bans have severely affected shops and businesses, and the pavement widening causes more hold-ups as cars cannot pass buses at stops.

With snow on the road, a cyclist broke his elbow after falling off his bike when he fell on the concrete base of the cycle lane bollard. Several elderly people have fallen over that too when they try to cross the road. So, what on Earth do I agree with under her regime?

The plan to close Braid Hills Road has been dumped. Hooray – but there are so many reasons that it should never have been considered in the first place.

It’s not a busy road at all, but it is a major link from Liberton to the west with green land on most of both sides so not many pedestrians are crossing it.

It is an essential route and apart from anything else, that’s how people reach the Tower Farm Riding School, the large golf shop and a major care home. It’s an obvious route for police, ambulances and fire engines, so cycle paths would be fine but extended pavements are pointless.

The big question is, why was it considered in the first place. What on Earth is Ms Macinnes trying to achieve if she doesn’t talk to and discuss with businesses and residents before any road is included in the Space for People plan?

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