'Shambolic' and 'rushed through' - Edinburgh Tories blast council's handling of emergency road closures for walkers and cyclists

Three roads are to be shut in days by the council as part of emergency measures to create more space for cyclists and walkers.

Streets will be closed to allow for easier and safer active travel in Edinburgh

Senior Tory councillors have slammed Edinburgh City Council’s decision to close three roads in the Capital as part of a move to improve safety and create more space for those social distancing.

Silverknowes Road, Braid Road and Links Gardens are to be closed within days, but confusion reigned after councillors were told Braids Hill Drive was also due to close, causing concern over the decision-making process.

The council shut the roads as part of “emergency measures” to ban traffic, which are among the first by a Scottish council to create more space for pedestrians and riders to safely exercise during the lockdown.

Cyclists in Edinburgh are being given more space to travel by the council

Conservative leader Iain Whyte criticised the council and questioned whether the decision to shut roads was being motivated by politics rather than safety, while Cllr Nick Cook said concerns over deliveries and funerals had been raised by his constituents.

Council leader, the SNP’s Adam McVey, said it was “unfortunate” that the Tories had criticised the administration’s approach, saying the move has been welcomed by a “great many other people”.

Cllr Cook said that residents are worried about the impact of food deliveries and said the decision ‘flew in the face’ of due process.

He said: "Councillors and residents alike have been caught off guard by these road closures. It appears nobody bar unelected officials and select administration councillors were important enough to be told.

“To compound matters, in the instance of Braid Hills Road, it is unclear as to whether it is supposed to even be included in the scheme.

As well as flying in the face of democratic due process, residents have been needlessly worried about the potential impact on essential matters like food deliveries.

“In another case, a local faith leader has flagged concerns about how they get to and from the crematorium to conduct funerals. Urgent clarity is required."

Conservative group chairman, Cllr Jason Rust, blasted the move, saying the situation was “shambolic”.

He said: "This is an absolutely shambolic situation with important decisions being rushed through, with no clear evidence base, without thought as to the practical impact and an appalling lack of communication leading to utter confusion. It seems to be a case of act in haste repent at leisure".

Cllr Whyte added: “We need to see proper scrutiny of this. Closing three isolated roads in areas where there is a lot of open space doesn't seem to match the stated commitment of protecting people who are social distancing.

"The messaging yesterday lunchtime in a private briefing was that this was about giving people extra space to walk past queues outside supermarkets and that type of thing, and then the next day there are three roads being closed.

"There seems to have been lots of work going on behind closed doors that most councillors were unaware of that has suddenly been sprung on us without any change for ward councillors or members to be consulted about it or to decide what is the priority or help make the judgement as to whether the policy is being implemented properly.

"The completely mixed messages gives you the impression that nobody has made a decision here and you wonder whether this is being driven by political priorities to get lobby groups on side rather than the actual stated aim of making things safer for the public."

Council Leader Adam McVey said: “We’re taking forward actions to expand public space help people observe physical distancing to make essential journeys and daily exercise safe. This is crucial if we are to limit the impact of coronavirus on our city, particularly when restrictions begin to be lifted and more people will be out on the street. These changes, which have been supported by the Scottish Government and welcomed by all parties, need to be made and have been welcomed by active travel organisations and a great many other people who recognise the need for walking, scootering and cycling to be prioritised at this time.

“This is just the beginning of a phased approach and we will be making changes across the city, though these three roads have been identified as pinch points by our own officers along with Police Scotland. It’s unfortunate that some have used this unprecedented situation to criticise these essential measures, when they well know that Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders are used make changes that will protect the public’s safety.

“While there are no plans for the complete closure of Braid Hills Drive we are considering proposals to increase safe space for walking and active travel. These changes are aimed at making life easier for residents to exercise and physically distance, and any changes will still ensure that essential deliveries to households and businesses and local access is maintained.”