Edinburgh road closure helps residents in another street get what they have been wanting for 30 years

Braidburn Terrace goes one-way

The temporary closure of Braid Road has led to Braidburn Terrace becoming one-way

A CONTROVERSIAL temporary road closure prompted by the coronavirus lockdown has given residents of another street the traffic curb they have wanted for three decades.

Council chiefs announced ten days ago they were shutting off part of Braid Road to create more space for people out walking or cycling for their daily exercise.

The move prompted protests from some residents worried about access for deliveries and opposition councillors who said the move was about politics rather than safety.

Public consultation was not required because the closure was ordered under emergency powers in the interests of public safety.

But now the council has amended the closure scheme to include a one-way system on nearby Braidburn Terrace after the Braid Road shutdown resulted in an increase in traffic there.

Morningside Green councillor Melanie Main welcomed the move and said there had long been concerns about safety in Baidburn Terrace.

She said: “The situation in Braidburn Terrace goes back 30 years. There has been a problem with it and Braid Crescent being used rat runs. They are really narrow with narrow pavements, so over the years there have been many accidents, inappropriate use by tour buses and lorries and it has never got resolved.”

She said the closure of Braid Road between Braidburn Terrace and a point north of Braid Farm Road had forced traffic along Braidburn Terrace and the council had responded to residents’ complaints by agreeing to the temporary one-way system.

Morningside Tory councillor Nick Cook tweeted: “This brings forward measures that local councillors have consulted on with residents over many years - and many public meetings. It isn’t without issue, but also helps ensure residents can better access and park their vehicles outside their homes.”

However the arrangement could soon become permanent. Cllr Main said wider proposals for traffic changes in the area had already been out to consultation, funding was in place and she expected it to be put out to tender in the near future.

“There were only three objections and the vast majority of people have said they really want it to go ahead.”

As well as making Braidburn Terrace permanently one-way, there would be increased provision for cyclists, cars would be stopped entering Braid Crescent from the main road and pavements would be widened in Braid Crescent.

Council leader Adam McVey said: “We have developed a one-way scheme on Braidburn Terrace to address concerns raised by the local community, who are supportive of measures to reduce traffic on the street.

“Actions like these to expand public space will help people observe physical distancing while walking and cycling, which is crucial if we are to limit the impact of coronavirus on our city.

“These changes are aimed at making life easier for residents to travel, exercise and physically distance, and any changes will still ensure that essential deliveries to households and businesses and local access is maintained.

The schemes being implemented aren’t set in stone, they are temporary and so can be changed as community give their views.”