Leith Links in the news, next phase of Leith Connections
UPDATE
We have recently been made aware that the words of Transport and Environment Committee Convener Stephen Jenkinson quoted recently in the press about how keen he is to ‘press ahead’ with Traffic Regulation Orders for Leith Connection’ plans refers to the previous/current phase of Leith Connections (and not to the proposals discussed in the accompanying article).
He has now been made more aware of the newest proposals for the next, future, phase, and the controversy they are currently stirring up…
In a recent email to local resident Robert Drysdale, whose illustration of a potential alternative route appears below in this post, Cllr. Jenkinson said –
“….the Hawthornvale to Seafield section is still in the design phase and…no traffic orders have yet been advertised. I can confirm that the Leith Connections project team are currently processing the feedback from the latest engagement phase and the outcomes on this will be shared in due course. The feedback received, including I’m sure yours, will help inform the way forward for this project so I would like to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and your concerns.”
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Leith Links Community Council is in the news currently. The media has picked up the story of the proposed new cycle route from Seafield to Hawthornevale, which we objected to, in the recent consultation (along with Edinburgh Bus Users Group, Living Streets Edinburgh, and others!)
Read the 03/01/2025 Edinburgh Evening News article here.
Read the original, full LLCC response / objection here.
View the clip with LLCC input on STV News (on 7.01.25) here.
View another interview on the topic with EBUG, here, and also see here
The proposed Leith Connections scheme would run alongside the busy traffic on Seafield Road, Salamander Street, Bernard Street, Commercial Street and Lindsay Road. We think the proposed scheme is very bad for pedestrians, and for public transport users, as it means narrowed pavements, removal and relocation of bus stops, dangerous floating bus stops and removal of bus lanes. We also think that very busy and polluted arterial roadway is not a good or a safe route for cyclists!
Instead, we support an alternative route for cyclists, through the Links and the newly calmed Low Traffic Neighbourhood, as illustrated (in blue) below by local resident Robert Drysdale. After all, what was the point of closing off the roads in the Leith Low Traffic Neighbourhood in the first place, if not to provide a nice quiet and safe route for cyclists as well as for pedestrians?
Please keep yourselves informed about this scheme as it progresses, as there are still opportunities for local people to voice their opinions on the design.