Agenda and minutes

Including any notices of motion and any other items of business submitted as urgent for consideration at the meeting.

Members should declare any financial and non-financial interests they have in the items of business for consideration, identifying the relevant agenda item and the nature of their interest.

If any.

Minute of the Transport and Environment Committee of 17 August 2023 – submitted for approval as a correct record

Transport and Environment Committee Work Programme

Transport and Environment Committee Rolling Actions Log

Transport and Environment Business Bulletin

Motion by Councillor Bandel - Greenbank-Meadows Quiet Route Consultation

“Committee:

1.       Notes the contested decision of the Transport & Environment committee in June 2023 to separately readvertise the ETRO for the Greenbank-Meadows Quiet Route scheme whilst agreeing that the aims of the scheme should not be “diluted.”

2.       Considers that the aim of the Quiet Route is about more than just facilitating safe cycling routes for residents and instead is about reducing traffic levels and making residential areas safer and quieter, in line with the Council target of reducing car km usage by 30% by 2030.

3.       Therefore, notes with concern that multiple options put forward for consideration as part of the readvertised ETRO include the removal of modal filters which will reintroduce motor traffic into residential areas, including an option to wholly remove all filters in the southern section of the route, and considers that these proposals do “dilute” the scheme.

4.       Recognises that whilst a workshop with ward Councillors was held to discuss options, no consensus was reached about what options were appropriate to bring forward as part of the consultation, and notes with concern that some options – for example, to reopen sections of Whitehouse Loan to motor vehicles – were discussed when some Councillors were not present owing to the workshop significantly overrunning.

5.       Notes that whilst it is important and useful to bring in local knowledge via engagement with ward members, private officer-member workshops are neither democratic nor a decision-making body in the Council.

6.       Therefore, reaffirms that Transport & Environment committee is the decision-making body for this matter and that the final option for the Quiet Route will be agreed at committee, following consideration of comments put forward by residents through the consultation process.

7.       Nevertheless, despite the concerns raised above, encourages residents to participate in the consultation so that their views are heard.”

Motion by Councillor Arthur - Bike Hire, Car Hire and Congestion

“1)        Notes that in January 2023 the Transport & Environment Committee committed to considering operating a bike hire scheme as a concession with no direct cost to the city. Therefore agrees to receive an update on this issue no later than January 2024. Agrees that any concession should be aligned with the City Mobility Plan.

2)         Notes that Edinburgh’s Car Club contract is due for renewal in September 2024 and therefore requests an update no later than January 2024 on how any new service could be better aligned with the City Mobility Plan.

3)         Notes and regrets the ongoing impact congestion is having on public transport in Edinburgh, and agrees this is a barrier to modal shift. Agrees to receive an update no later than January 2024 detailing the steps being taken, or are planned, to resolve the issue. This should be compatible with the Public Travel Action Plan amd include consideration of (1) better co-ordination of roadworks and (2) operators co-funding capacity in the Urban Traffic Control Team.”