Braid Road and Comiston Road – local resident engagement

In April 2021, we asked residents and businesses what they thought about retaining the Spaces for People measures that have been implemented across the city in response to Covid 19, this included the closure of Braid Road, and its subsequent re-opening to southbound traffic only. This also included the introduction of protected cycleways on Comiston Road.

We reported the findings of this engagement to the Council meeting on 24 June. At this meeting councillors agreed that officers should consider options for re-opening Braid Road to northbound traffic, and options for improving public transport journey times on Comiston Road.

We developed several options which were subject to public consultation during September and October 2021.

Survey participants were asked to rank the following four options for Braid Road in order of preference:

• Option 1: Braid Road fully open in both directions;
• Option 2: Braid Road open in both directions with a Modal Filter located north of Braidburn Terrace;
• Option 3: Braid Road fully open northbound, southbound restriction at Hermitage Drive; and
• Option 4: Braid Road open southbound only with the road closed to motor vehicles at Hermitage Drive.

Option 1 was the most popular first preference, Option 2 was the most popular second preference, Option 3 was the most popular third preference, and Option 4 was the most popular fourth preference.

However, it is notable that many respondents – especially within the local area – chose Option 4 as their first preference. Meanwhile, many respondents – especially within the local area – chose Option 1 as their fourth preference.

Survey participants were asked their opinion on two proposed revisions to the Comiston Road scheme layout: The introduction of a Bus Lane, replacing the cycleway, on the northbound approach to Comiston Springs Avenue, and; The removal of Loading Restrictions throughout the scheme to provide improved access for deliveries.

Both measures were supported by the majority of respondents.

A report on the findings was submitted to the Transport and Environment Committee on 11 November 2021.   A summary of the monitoring and feedback received is included as Appendix 2 of the report.

We reported your feedback to the meeting of the Transport and Environment Committee on 11 November 2021. At this meeting Councillors decided to implement Option 2 at Braid Road.

We recognised that this was not the most preferred option from the engagement exercise, however it is considered a reasonable compromise position, which retains benefits for vulnerable road users at this location and safeguards the Meadows to Greenbank Quiet Route.

At this meeting Councillors also decided to implement the proposed measures at Comiston Road. However, following subsequent discussions with Lothian Buses it was ultimately agreed that the extension to the bus lane was not required.

Following the experimental period, a further Traffic Regulation Order will be required should the Council opt to make this scheme permanent.