Steve Cardownie: Transport initiatives or people’s livelihoods

A few weeks ago, I devoted part of my column to the 7-7-7 bus lane experiment which has started running along the east of the city.

I had driven along the route and witnessed near empty bus lanes alongside nose to tail traffic with a fairly heavy build up stretching from Abbeyhill to Jock’s lodge and felt that this venture was a solution in search of a problem. I also questioned whether the effect on small businesses had been adequately taken into account as several had expressed serious concerns in a previous Evening News article.

Tomorrow the City Council’s Transport and Environment Committee will meet, with an item on the agenda being a” petition for consideration” which has received “2,009 (individual ) and 60 (business) valid signatures to date.”

“The petition calls on the Council to reconsider the proposed bus lane charges between East Milton Road and London Road and associated parking/loading restrictions and to properly assess the impact the changes will have on local businesses, residents and disabled people.”

The report to the committee invites it to a) Request a report on the issues raised by the petitioner and the committee; or b) Agree that the issues raised do not merit further action; and/or Agree to take any other appropriate action.

The Petition contains the statement “While we understand the importance of improving public transport, these changes cannot come at the expense of the small businesses that serve our communities every day. The businesses along this stretch rely heavily on passing trade and customers being able to stop nearby. This includes florists, hairdressers, food businesses and other independent shops. Many customers are elderly, disabled or have limited mobility and simply cannot park a significant distance away and walk.”

And “We ask the Council to pause and reconsider these proposals, consult properly with affected businesses and residents, and find a solution that improves public transport while protecting accessibility, loading, parking and the future of our local businesses.”

I’ll be watching the proceedings via the webcast portal which should provide interesting viewing- transport initiatives v people’s livelihoods, serious business indeed.