Edinburgh police to continue deployment of speed camera bikes across these 20mph zones

Scotland’s safety camera unit are continuing their deployment of speed camera bikes in 20mph zones of Edinburgh which have seen a rise in those walking, wheeling and cycling during lockdown.

The City of Edinburgh Council has been encouraging active travel and physical distancing across the city as part of the Scottish Government funded Spaces for People project which has included the provision of more space for people to walk, cycle and wheel by making changes to pavements, pathways and roads.

However, in a number of 20mph zones road users are not adhering to the speed limit, and the deployment of the safety camera motorbikes are aimed to encourage enhanced levels of speed limit compliance and support a further increase in active travel.

Road users will see safety camera motorbikes on Melville Drive, Niddrie Mains Road, Portobello High Street, St John's Road and East Fettes Avenue.

Eric Dunion, East Safety Camera Unit Manager “I am pleased that we are able to support the Spaces for People project by utilising the motorbike to enforce in 20mph limits across Edinburgh. Following discussions with City of Edinburgh Council, it was agreed that these locations would benefit from camera enforcement. In particular East Fettes Avenue and Portobello High Street have experienced a substantial increase in cyclists and pedestrians and the motorbike will be a visible deterrent to drivers who ignore 20mph speed limits”.

City of Edinburgh Council, Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “A great deal of work has taken place across the city to make it easier for people to physically distance and to travel safely by bike, on foot or by wheelchair.

"These measures have included creating more space for walking, wheeling and cycling. Due to this, it is necessary to carry out enforcement in partnership with the East Safety Camera Unit to ensure speed limits are adhered to, in order to maintain the safety of those travelling around Edinburgh.”

Cycling Scotland’s Head of Communications, Denise Hamilton said: “It’s vital that we tackle speeding and other dangerous driving, to keep everyone safe, whether they’re cycling, walking, wheeling or driving.

"We’ve seen tragedies on our roads as traffic has increased in recent months and enforcement action is welcome and necessary to help make Edinburgh’s roads safer. Cycling has huge benefits for physical and mental health, and we need to support more people to travel safely by bike.

"Dedicated cycling lanes, separated from road traffic, are the top priority while enforcement and education are essential to improve road safety for all.”

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