The SNP and Labour Administration has been pressing ahead with its highly controversial Spaces for People agenda.
Cllr Jason Rust has been regularly contacted over recent months by residents in the Lanark Road and Hailes area regarding the scheme there. The new 30mph temporary limit which is separate from Spaces for People has been broadly welcomed by residents, but serious concerns have been expressed about the protected cycle lanes and parking provision and there have been some accidents since the installation of the scheme. A clear majority of residents opposed the measures in a Council consultation and they are under review.
Unfortunately Labour and SNP councillors combined to defeat a motion by Councillor Rust which, "Agrees that change is best delivered through collaboration with local communities which are impacted by decisions taken" and that emergency legislation "shall not be used to force substantial changes to communities where local people have expressed significant opposition".
Jason said, "I am disappointed that previous calls for a pedestrian crossing at Lanark Road have been refused and that the speed camera was decommissioned. Generally there has been little to no effective engagement with local residents.
"The City Council had the opportunity to build support for active travel that is likely to endure and ensure schemes are transparent and had public validity. By not doing so they have sadly polarised the discussion."
