Leith Bus Gate May Face Last Minute Change by Transport Committee

The Traffic Regulation Orders Sub-Committee meets Tuesday. They will decide on Leith’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN). They will consider making the remaining parts permanent.

Leith’s scheme has more support than those in East Craigs. One in Corstorphine had vandalism and was removed. Active travel groups invite supporters to City Chambers. They want people to show support from 8:30 AM. The council aims to reduce car use.

They want more public transport and active travel. LTNs are one way to change people’s habits. They persuade folks to choose different options. Edinburgh has older schemes.

Moray Place has bollards to stop shortcutting. The TRO process now includes public input. Leith had a TRO for road changes. It ends April 8 if not approved Tuesday. The sub-committee papers suggest a bus gate change. Councillors may require a new TRO.

This would need a new public consultation. Other additions like benches on Sandport Bridge are permanent. They suggest a new bus lane on Links Gardens. This revokes restrictions on Links Place.

The council wants bus, taxi, and cycle access only. This applies to Links Gardens where the 34 bus goes. Officials say it cuts traffic on Salamander Place. It helps the scheme’s goals. More traffic on John’s Place might mean speed humps. The new bus gate costs up to £200,000. Council funds will cover this expense.

Leith Links Community Council sees a past problem returning. They say blocking Links Gardens caused traffic jams. Claremont Park and Gladstone Place were affected. Vanburgh Place and Duke Street experienced more traffic.

This also includes East Hermitage Place. They believe it will hurt many residents. The council had market research. A later survey found 75% in favor. It was up from 60%.

The Community Council surveyed 350 locals. They think opinions are more divided. Liveable Leith’s Chair calls their survey “biased.” Sally Millar said the bus gate should go during a meeting.

Millar said no bus uses it. Westbound traffic closure increases traffic elsewhere. It creates a “rat run” on small streets. Rachael Revesz of Liveable Leith said the gate works.

The committee focuses on a few issues. Things like Sandport Bridge are already permanent. Her view is that the bus gate effectively filters traffic. The focus is now on John’s Place and the bus gate. The videos show these views.

Objections in the papers include “waste of money.” Others say the “process is flawed.” Some oppose all traffic changes. Some allege increased traffic and pollution. The council answers with survey evidence. They state speed surveys show overall reduction.

The councillors on the committee must decide. They will weigh all the views at the meeting. The meeting will be online. Leith councillors hosted a walk to see Leith Connections. Some attendees were from outside Leith.

They learned about Liveable Leith. They also learned about the traffic plan. Barbara Kerr and Miles Wilkinson led the walk. Jo McClelland and Rachael Revesz gave insights.

Chas Booth said it was a fact-finding visit. It helped people see the project. Some attendees had concerns. The council must cut emissions. They must learn from this project. This will help them improve future ones. It will inspire action for better streets anywhere.

The committee includes Councillors Graham, Dalgleish, and Dijkstra-Downie. Councillors Glasgow, Jones, Lang, and Macinnes are also members. Councillors O’Neill and Work participate too. Links to the council are included.