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Pedestrian express lane is 'ridiculous'



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Published Date: 10 October 2008
THE radical idea of an "express lane" for pedestrians on Princes Street was today branded "ridiculous" by campaigners aiming to improve city streets.
The idea was raised by Tory Councillor Jason Rust, and the express lane – designed to beat "pavement rage" – would be the first of its kind in the UK, and could operate during Edinburgh's busiest seasons.

The proposal was unveiled in the News earlier this week, and has become a nationwide talking point in the media.

Transport leader Phil Wheeler says he is willing to listen to all suggestions on how to beat pavement congestion.

But Living Streets Scotland, which has its headquarters just off Princes Street and campaigns for more "people-friendly public spaces", said an express lane is not the solution.

Chief executive Tony Armstrong said: "We think that Cllr Rust has spotted a big problem here but is, unfortunately, missing the answer entirely.

"If our main shopping streets are stressful and overcrowded, they need to be made wider, not carved up by bollards and chains.

"To create regimented lanes is a ridiculous idea, which will cause stress for vulnerable people and be completely unenforceable."





The full article contains 194 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 10 October 2008 10:28 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

mystic,

Edinburgh 10/10/2008 11:56:11
I think we must be running out of news today.

www.SeeingEdinburgh.co.uk
2

tog,

Edinburgh 10/10/2008 11:58:24
I quite agree. Cllr Rust would be better engaged trying to get some form of crossing for pedestrians operational on George Street. It is getting a bit ridiculous. Maybe they are waiting an accident before they do something
3

,

10/10/2008 12:14:32
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
4

Skip McClendon,

10/10/2008 12:15:23
#2

I agree. George Street is a nightmare for pedestrians right now. In addition to being turned into a virtual motorway by the tramworks, the lack of working pedestrian crossings makes it a very dangerous place to tread.

But, in all such cases, the Council's attitude is always "since there have been no accidents yet, there is clearly no problem"...
5

JayDeeTee,

10/10/2008 12:36:55
They'll be forced to wear indicators and brake lights next.
6

Howard Moon,

10/10/2008 12:46:45
'If our main shopping streets are stressful and overcrowded, they need to be made wider, not carved up by bollards and chains.'

So why on earth didn't you speak out when the plans were being drawn up to narrow the pavements then?
7

NotaNumberYet,

Edinburgh 10/10/2008 12:48:44
Is this the same Cllr Rust that's taking on Darling at the next election?

Is what he's really calling for the pedestrianisation of Princes St? Well, except for the trams of course. I could see that working. After the trams are in place mind you.
8

Goat Boy,

10/10/2008 12:50:07
Having spent thousands widening the pavements, they are now going to reduce the width so that they can run the tram along Princes Street. This will reduce the area pedestrians can walk on and make it even harder to get about (especially at Christmas and the festival time). And IF the predictions are correct, the tram will attract the whole of Scotland into Edinburgh, so none of us will be able to get about.

Joined up thinking required.
9

john3,

10/10/2008 12:51:51
Why do they not just blow all we pedestrians into the back of beyond and be done with it? It is not just Edinburgh who suffer from vehicles wanting all the space
the drivers having forgotten they too have to walk when they get out.
10

steve 1511,

aberdeen 10/10/2008 12:52:22
will there be speed cameras on the express lanes ,if they come into force
11

joppa jock,

Huntingdon 10/10/2008 13:06:54
Express lanes would be required for both East and West walkers otherwise the fast walkers will be knocking each other over. It sounds like a reasonable idea that just hasn't been thought through.
12

Jams,

Edinburgh 10/10/2008 13:18:21
Its all a great conspiracy ! First we get rid of the cars, then we get rid of the people, then we get rid of the buses. Once that is done the trams will rule the City Centre and become the dominant (i.e. only) sign of life.

Its Friday, its been a busy week and I am a bit stressed. Heartily agree with #3.
13

,

10/10/2008 13:25:09
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
14

Joe Smith.,

Moscow 10/10/2008 13:33:02

Councillor Rust's other great ideas:










15

Yonthing!,

10/10/2008 13:37:14
There won't be a need for an express lane once the trams start - everyone wanting to get along Princes Street quickly can just jump on the tram :)

Oh dear, there's only one stop for the whole of Princes Street :(
16

Mikey,

10/10/2008 13:50:50
It's a buggy lane needed, not an express lane. If the buggy owners aren't all fighting to get on buses, they're trying mow down pedestrians!

BTW, I don't dislike kids, before anyone starts moaning! I do dislike inconsiderate buggy pushers, however!
17

Thomas the Tank,

Edinburgh 10/10/2008 15:47:52
As ridiculous an idea as young Rust's pretensions to fight Badger Face Darling for the Embra SouthWest Parliamentary seat. He'd be better looking at some of the issues in his own backyard rather than grandstanding on issues he clearly knows hee-haw about.
Sorry - that's what all politicians do.
18

Gina Gibson,

Wales 10/10/2008 15:54:35
I think a much better idea would to have a slow lane for old people and dawdlers.

It could be spread with oil, banana skins, ball bearings and broken glass.

That way, the dithering ba5stards would have a reason for going so slowly.
19

Kirsty Boyd-Williamson,

New Town 10/10/2008 17:02:28
>19 : Gina ~ It could be spread with oil, banana skins, ball bearings and broken glass.

Whilst I think oil and banana skins would attract wide public support for the amusement value offered, I fear there might be some reluctance over ball bearings and broken glass could possibly perceived as introducing an element of cruelty.
20

Joe Smith.,

Moscow 10/10/2008 18:15:08

I blame white people
21

Joe Smith.,

Moscow 10/10/2008 18:17:09

I blame Christine Darbon, Fabienne Tabard, Antoine Doinel, Chantelle "Lick the Thistle" Radgette, and aliens.
22

Jimmy B'Umlove,

East End (Boys) 10/10/2008 19:28:10
#19 Gina hen, yer very malevolent for a young lass. I ken yer no courtin yit, but there's nae need tae be so bitter 'n twistet!
23

Jenny100,

EDINBURGH 10/10/2008 19:45:31
It's Waverley Bridge on the Edinburgh Tour and Airport Bus side that needs looking at first - is it a pavement or a bus station? It has to be either one or the other, because being both just does not work.
24

Poetess50,

10/10/2008 20:11:47
So much for people who walk thinking they're helping the environment!
25

Breezy,

Argyll 10/10/2008 20:29:15
Seems Councillor Rust thinking gear could do with a right good dose of WD40.
26

Ian down under,

Musselburgh 10/10/2008 20:46:14
We need a multi-lane system like the motorways with the slow movers, the prams etc on the inside, the faster ones outside them and an overtaking lane nearest the kerb, but I suppose we should have a hard shoulder near the buildings for parking of prams and dugs and for Big Issue tycoons. At crossings we could do away with green men and have flyovers, what about traffic lights
oh and I forgot what about a skateboard lane, a mountain bike lane and a "4WD park on the pavement cos I'm too big for the parking bay lane", outside every shop door we need crossing lights and give way signs to let the foot traffics merge................
sorry I just exploded
27

Asil,

mussi 10/10/2008 21:49:10
why?? have u tried walik along princes st to get to you bus stop to get home after a long hard day at work lately?? should bab prams, buggies, pensioners with sticks & foriegners from express lane.
28

celtic4,

USA 10/10/2008 23:46:09
There is a virtue called patience. Unless a life or death emergency...what is the hurry? Take your time, let others pass by, do not crowd sidewalks and it will all work out fine. No need for ridiculous "express lanes" as tho we are all vehicles and not people.
29

celtic4,

USA 10/10/2008 23:47:01
Sorta gives new life to the expression"Living life in the fast lane", doesn't it?

 

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