Edinburgh Spaces for People scheme: Morningside's Braid Road stays closed despite vote to reopen

Last month’s meeting of the council's transport and environment committee approved a report on Spaces for People schemes across the city, which included reopening Braid Road one-way southbound to help reduce public transport times and limit the impact of intrusive traffic on local streets, in response to feedback from residents and Lothian Buses.

But when Colinton/Fairmilehead Tory councillor Jason Rust contacted the Spaces for People team to ask when the change would be implemented, an official pointed to part of the motion agreed at the meeting which asked officers to "continue consideration of measures on Braid Road; manage intrusive traffic in neighbourhood streets with solutions such as modal filters; take a holistic approach alongside nearby initiatives including the Greenbank-Meadows Quiet Route and Braidburn Terrace; ensure continued monitoring of the effects of the scheme which will enable future decisions on any changes required.”

The official continued: "At this time, it is not our intention to immediately re-open Braid Road, a commitment was made at committee to arrange a stakeholders workshop to define what local measures may be appropriate taking all relevant elements into consideration."

But Cllr Rust as shocked by the reply. He said: “This latest stance by the SNP and Labour-run council is absolutely astounding. The goalposts keep being moved and it looks like reopening is now being deferred indefinitely.

"Latterly, despite no previous connection, we were told that closure was linked to the Quiet Route and there was a clear recommendation last week to reopen Braid Road one way. Now, despite the recommendation and the massive local opposition to closure, no real action is being taken at this time to reopen the road at all and no proper timescale.

"This will be a massive disappointment to local residents and reduce further any remaining faith in the council. The mixed messages are completely incredible and it is outrageous that residents have been treated with such disdain.”

Local resident Paul Bailey said: "Nothing surprises me about our administration. This is more duplicity and contempt for residents and councillors."

The council has been contacted for comment.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “Longer term, it is still intended to reopen Braid Road south bound, as was recommended to committee. However, following the approval of an addendum by the Green group we will be first exploring ways of limiting intrusive traffic on side streets while continuing the closure, in light of ongoing COVID guidance to stay at home other than for essential travel and daily exercise, for which this route is being used.

“This will also allow us to evaluate the impact of nearby schemes at Braidburn Terrace and between the Meadows and Greenbank, once they are introduced, to ensure changes to the Braid Road measures take this into account.”

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