An ambitious prioritisation programme for projects under the City Mobility Plan (CMP), over the next decade, has been agreed by Edinburgh Councillors.

This programme effectively manages existing resources to continue to deliver on the city’s CMP objectives to:

• Reduce the volume of traffic going through the city.
• Improve how we move around the city, with more options for sustainable travel, including prioritising public transport.
• Provide safer conditions for walking, wheeling and cycling.
• Reduce harmful emissions.
• Provide better access to local facilities like shops, schools and outdoor spaces.
• Improve community and public spaces.

Over 70 projects are set to be taken forward, including:

• Walking, wheeling and cycling connection from the Meadows to the Union Canal, including better public space around the King’s Theatre.
• Public transport and active travel route between West Shore Road and Waterfront Broadway, complementing the Granton redevelopment.
• Major city centre projects, including a trial to reduce vehicle traffic on the Lawnmarket, Cowgate improvements, Meadows to George Street walking and cycling upgrade, and the transformation of George Street.

Over 50 projects are recommended to be paused, the vast majority of which are already on hold or have not started. There are also around five projects which are set to be paused for this financial year only. Again, these are all either on hold or not started.

The full list of projects and their statuses can be found in the report on Edinburgh website.

The report was approved with amendments from the Administration and the SNP group, along with an addendum from the Green group.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:

“I’m really pleased that we’ve agreed this bold programme for our city. Prioritisation allows us to work smarter with the resources we have available – making sure we have a clear and achievable path to achieving our objectives. This programme follows the successes of major infrastructure projects such as Trams to Newhaven and active travel projects including the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL), Roseburn to Union Canal and Leith Connections.

“This is an extensive piece of work which allows the City Mobility Plan to be agile, and able to adapt in the future as necessary. However, one key element in this conversation is the fact that we remain dependent on external funding for many projects, particularly from the Scottish Government and by extension Transport Scotland.

“Complex projects which take years to plan and complete but which are subject to annual external funding decisions makes this situation inherently difficult, we need commitment and stability from the Scottish Government if we’re to deliver the changes which our city needs and deserves. We’ll now take forward these projects which will keep Edinburgh moving and make our city a safer, more sustainable and accessible place for all.”

(Pic: Anne Gordon)