Edinburgh Council permanently approves the Leith traffic project after a year, aiming for less traffic and safer streets.
For over a year, the project changed roads. They closed some roads and tweaked others. The goal was less traffic and more walking. Now, these changes are permanent.
The council approved the final version and plans some small fixes too. These fixes answer concerns about the project.
Chas Booth is co-leader and represents Leith. He feels pleased and thinks it’s right for Leith, saying it will keep traffic down.
The project will make streets safer and should make air cleaner. Surveys show public opinion varies. A council survey showed support, while the community council survey was split.
In the council survey, some saw problems. Seventy-four people saw more pollution and fifty-five said longer commutes.
The council’s data showed improvement. Speeds reduced on most roads and traffic levels also went down in and around Leith.
Salamander Place saw no traffic change, the data showed no change there. Duncan Place was the only increase with traffic increasing on that road.
The council approved some plan changes. One involves a bus gate’s location to be moved near Links Gardens, which should cut traffic.
They will add dropped kerbs to improve accessibility. They will also maintain planters and benches.
Liveable Leith supported the project. They celebrated the decision online after fighting for this for four years, noting most residents don’t own a car.