Additional detailed points relating to the options
On this page, we add more detailed reasons to each of the options, assuming the reader has read our summary page and the council’s detailed “paper” survey (downloadable below) for context
Whitehouse Loan and Clinton Rd area
We support option 2 for Whitehouse Loan, to keep the existing filter on Whitehouse Loan and to add a new one on Clinton Rd.
Option 1 preserves the existing set-up, but does nothing to address rat-running on Clinton Rd, Hope Tce and Blackford Rd, which residents have complained about
Options 1a and 2a allow cars to enter Whitehouse Loan from both ends again, reestablishing a through-route for cars and effectively closing the street off again as a quiet route. We strongly oppose options 1a and 2a for the following additional reasons:
- embolden opponents who wish to weaken and ultimately remove the schemes by “death by a 1000 cuts”
- make the southern half of Whitehouse Loan intimidating and unsafe for active travellers, especially children and novice cyclists
- create new eastbound rat-runs along Strathearn Rd / Whitehouse Loan / Hope Tce / Blackford Rd / Whitehouse Tce to cut off the traffic lights at the Kilgraston/Marchmont Rd crossroads
- create new westbound rat-runs along Strathearn Rd / Whitehouse Loan / Newbattle Tce to cut off the traffic lights at the Church Hill / Morningside Rd junction
- increase the chances of left- and right-hooks to cyclists at the junctions
- it is already quite difficult for children to cross Newbattle Tce at the end of Whitehouse Loan, to access the safe routes with the Astley Ainsley grounds. This is due to the sightlines along Grange Loan being obstructed by high stone walls. Additional traffic will make this even more difficult
Braid estate (the Clunys)
We support option 1 for the Braid estate, to keep the existing measures in the Braid estate and to add a new filter at Braid Crescent.
Options 2 and 3 introduce segregated cycle lanes on Braid Ave, effectively removing the benefits of a low-traffic street. We strongly oppose options 2 and 3 for the following additional reasons:.
- creates new rat runs along Hermitage Gdns / Cluny Dr and for option 3, the entire estate becomes a rat-run
- cyclists need to travel all over the road network, in the same way that cars do. A single linear route is only of limited use
Consultation document
For easy reference, and to preview the consultation before filling out the online form, you may download a “paper” version of the survey document here: