There has been a bit of misinformation circulating about this. The issue stems from the way Braid Road was reopened to two-way traffic, and the knock on impacts in the “Braids Estate”. We have had complaints from residents about genuine road safety issues in the area. There is also LOT of bad feeling about the way consultations were used by the previous transport committee.

We asked Officers to consult locally on solutions, and the outcome was considered today. There were basically three options which were all workable as far as I am concerned (but come with positives and negatives). The 5 parties on the Committee, however, managed to find 4 positions between them… so some compromise was required to reach a majority.

The Committee opted to listen to local residents and replace the existing modal filters (planters or other barrier) with a fully segregated cycle route through the area along Hermitage Drive and Braid Avenue (a common cycling route), with safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists at junctions.

We took on board wider concerns and also agreed:

1. That Braid Avenue and Braid Road (north of Hermitage Drive) are not primary traffic routes, and this should be reflected in their layout and design.
2. Speed reduction measures should be installed on Hermitage Drive, Midmar Drive, the of Braid Road (southern extent) and Braid Ave were there are known speeding issues.
3. Consideration should be given to providing a parking space for Blue Badge holders as close as possible to the Hermitage of Braid entrance.
4. The TEC Convener should write to Police Scotland requesting that Safety Cameras Scotland to enforce the known speeding problem on the southern half of Braid Road and other speeding sites identified by the Council (e.g. Bridge Road, Swanston Road and Woodhall Road).
5. Any necessary updates to local School Travel Plans are made.

There was no change to quiet route north of Cluny Gardens other than installing a modal filter on Clinton Road.

The full consultation report is here.
The full Evening News report is here.