Background
The Council made changes on roads in Edinburgh during 2020 and 2021 as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic with the aim of creating more space and making it safer for walking, wheeling and cycling. Some of these remain controversial due to the way they were implemented.

Perhaps the most controversial scheme was the closure of Braid Road (now reopened) and the related traffic restrictions on streets including Hermitage Gardens, Braid Avenue, Canaan Lane and Whitehouse Loan. The route is important as it is relatively well used by cyclists.

In September 2022, Councillors agreed to keep these changes for another 18 months using an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO). This meant it could trial the measures over a longer period when traffic had returned to ‘normal’ levels. The design approved when the SNP/Greens won the vote to reopen Braid Road to two-way traffic has left virtually nobody feeling happy with the scheme – particularly the Braid Road/Braidburn Terrace junction.

In June 2023, Labour/LibDem/Tory Councillors won a second vote that means that the Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Connection should have its own ETRO. We agreed that it must be reviewed in partnership with local residents. The Council will also improve wayfinding and the materials used throughout the scheme.

The Council have now developed options in partnership with Councillors representing Morningside and Fairmilehead to address feedback from residents while retaining a safe route for walking, wheeling and cycling. These options are now ready to be shared with the public, these focus on:
1. Braid Estate
2. Clinton Road and Whitehouse Loan
The Council now want to hear your views on the proposed amendments to help them identify a preferred option for further technical design work prior to the 18-month ETRO trial.

It is important to note that when this was last discussed in Council no party voted for the (re)closure of Braid Road or the complete removal of the quiet route. There is a broad acceptance that (1) we can’t repeat the awful impact closing Braid Road had on public transport on Comiston Road, that (2) cyclists passing through the area need to be protected and that (3) the way in which Braid Road had been reopened had not worked.

How to share your views

• Online: (5th Sept – 22nd Oct): here
• In person: Council Officers will also be at Morningside Library on 12 September from 1.30pm until 7pm to discuss the project. Pop in to have a chat about the proposed options.
• Email: rurigdh.mcmeddes@edinburgh.gov.uk

The focus will be local residents, but everyone is welcome to contribute.