Leith Low Traffic Zone May Become Permanent After Trial Period

Three Leith council members advocate for permanence. They want the low traffic neighborhood to remain in place. This area has experienced road closures for over a year as part of the Leith Connections project. The initiative aimed to enhance urban mobility within the district.

Resident opinions on the changes are divided. While a council survey indicated 74% support, the community council survey reflected mixed sentiments. Traffic reduction was observed in reports from 6 and 12 months post-implementation. However, Duncan Place experienced an increase in traffic volume.

Councillors Booth, Faccenda, and Nols-McVey authored a letter expressing support for reduced traffic in Leith. While some argue that traffic worsened due to the closures, reports indicate a significant decrease in city-wide traffic. The safe travel environment for children is a welcomed benefit for parents.

Councillor Booth champions the plan’s benefits for Leith and advocates for its permanent adoption. Monitoring data confirms traffic reduction within and around the low-traffic area. The council acknowledges the need to address specific traffic issues, particularly the increased traffic on Duncan Place.

Moving forward, the council must learn from this project and prioritize improved communication. Engaging and listening to disadvantaged groups is also paramount. The Transport Regulation Orders sub-committee will deliberate on this request during a meeting on February 18. Joe Sullivan is a Local Democracy Reporter.