Notice of Meeting and Agenda

Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee

Tuesday, 10 May 2011 at 10.00 am
in the City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh

1 Order of Business

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

2 Declaration of Interests

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

3 Minutes

3.1 Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee of 8 February

2011 (circulated) – submitted for approval as a correct record.

3.2 Tram Sub-Committee of 28 March 2011 (circulated) – submitted for

approval as a correct record.

4 Deputation Requests

If any

5 Motions

5.1 Motion by Councillor Buchan - Non Mandatory Speed Reduction

Advice –remitted from the Council in terms of Standing Order 28(3)

“Council:

 notes that non mandatory speed information systems can influence

the speed of drivers in residential areas;

 notes that Norfolk County Council has provided residents with

stickers for wheelie bins that encourage through non-mandatory
signage, drivers to slow down;
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 notes that there are areas of Edinburgh where a similar approach

to that taken in Norfolk could be undertaken where there is support
for speed reducing measures; and

 agrees that a pilot study is introduced in the Craiglockhart area to

identify if this proposal could be used across the city.”

Note: Councillor Buchan is invited to attend for this item

5.2 Motion by Councillor Ewan Aitken - Blue Badge Scheme – remitted

from the Council in terms of Standing Order 28(3)

Council notes:

That the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have written to
the Council on four occasions since the decision was taken by this
administration to charge £20 to access the Blue Badge Scheme.

That the EHRC laid out four steps for the Council to take to ensure that
the EHRC are content with the Council’s processes, as follows:

 Equality Impact Assessment for the implementation of this policy to be

revisited.

 The Equality Impact Assessment tool be reviewed (the EHRC

suggests that the screening for relevance in particular appears to have
potential for introducing confusion).

 Training and support provided to officers carrying out impact

assessment to be reviewed.

 That training for Councillors in the scrutiny of Equality Impact

Assessments of proposals coming before Council is reviewed.

Council calls for a full report in one cycle on steps to be taken to comply
with this guidance from the EHRC.”

Note: Councillor Ewan Aitken is invited to attend for this item

5.3 Motion by Councillor Johnstone - City Wide Reusable Bonus Bag

Scheme – remitted from the Council in terms of Standing Order 28(3)

“That this Council:

Recognises the social, economic and environmental benefits of local high

streets across the city and is committed to working with local traders to
improve these essential and invaluable community assets;
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Commends the work of Greener Leith in encouraging local people to use

local shops through the promotion of the Greener Leith Bonus Bag where
discounts and offers are available to shoppers using the Greener Leith or
alternative reusable bag;

Recognises the aim of becoming a zero waste city given the need to save
resources, cut CO2 emissions and reduce the financial costs to the city in
waste disposal;

Notes the public support for measures to make Edinburgh plastic bag free;

Notes that Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland have introduced taxes on
plastic bags and that countries including Italy have banned them entirely;

Agrees that a forward thinking capital city which markets itself as

‘Edenburgh’ can show the Scottish Government that more action is
needed; and

Calls for a report into how a reusable bag scheme can be rolled out
across the city, looking, for example, at opportunities available within the
Town Centre Regeneration projects for funding and promotion.”

Note: Councillor Johnstone is invited to attend for this item

5.4 Motion by Councillor Johnstone - Local Traders - Recycling –

remitted from the Council in terms of Standing Order 28(3)

“That this Council:

Recognises that all sectors of society have an important role to play in

reducing waste.

Acknowledges that small businesses and shops can have difficulty

procuring recycling contracts that make recycling an affordable alternative
to trade waste contracts where waste goes directly to landfill.

Calls for a report exploring how the Council might best support local
traders, investigating the possibility for example, of setting up recycling co-
operatives within local traders groups and encouraging a more collective,
organised approach to recycling collection within local areas.”

Note: Councillor Johnstone is invited to attend for this item

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5.5 Motion by Councillor Godzik – Road Safety – remitted from the

Council in terms of Standing Order 29

“Committee

 recognises that improvements in road safety around South

Morningside Primary are necessary; and congratulates South
Morningside Primary Parent Council for their positive work on this
matter.

 notes however the ongoing concern over the length of double yellow
lines that have been introduced in the Craiglea and Plewlands area,
and believes that in many cases the double yellow line restrictions are
excessive.

 requests a report outlining what action can be taken to reduce double

yellow restrictions in the area, while ensuring that children and parents
have a safe route to school.”

Note: Councillor Godzik is invited to attend for this item

5.6 Motion by Councillor Ewan Aitken – No 12 Bus – remitted from the

Council in terms of Standing Order 29

“Committee notes:

 the loss of the No 12 bus as the one public transport link for the north
side of the Craigentinny area.

 That this cut to bus services has caused hardship for residents, for
those going to Seafield crematorium and for those going to Findlay
House to visit relatives.

 That this cut to bus services has been the cause of a great deal of
anger locally.

Committee agrees to investigate, in liaison with Lothian Buses, the cost of

subsidising a limited service linking Craigentinny to Leith along Seafield
past the Crematorium and to report back in two cycles.”

Note: Councillor Ewan Aitken is invited to attend for this item

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5.7 Motion by Councillor Ewan Aitken – Lothian Woodlands

Strategy/Edinburgh Woodland Action Plan – remitted from the
Council in terms of Standing Order 29

“Council notes:

The high incidence of housing across the city with trees forming part of the
streetscape.

The inherent tension between the need to preserve the trees and the
problems that trees, often planted 80 to100 years ago, can cause to
buildings in close proximity, such as:

 Loss of light, in some cases requiring artificial light having to be

used all year round

 Damage to building fabric either by constant wear and tear or storm

damage

 The blocking of guttering and drains or causing additional leaf

clearing for residents from gardens

 Damage by birds encouraged by the trees to reside close to

buildings

 Damage to over head cables such as TV and telephone

Council further notes that a Woodland Strategy for the Lothians is being
developed and is due for completion in late Spring.

Council therefore agrees:

In preparation for the publication of the Lothians Woodland Strategy, to

review the number and types of complaints by residents with the
appropriate departments that have been triggered by the proximity of trees
to residential properties.

To feed this information into the development of the Edinburgh Woodland

action plan, which will follow publication of the Lothians plan.”

Note: Councillor Ewan Aitken is invited to attend for this item

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5.8 By Councillor Buchan – Local Nature Reserve - remitted from the

Council in terms of Standing Order 29

“Council calls for a report within three cycles:

i) outlining how Local Nature Reserves in the City can be further

protected from development pressures within the planning system;
and

ii) examining the potential for transfer of ownership of Local Nature

Reserves from the City Council to properly constituted Friends
Groups or Charitable Trusts to protect such areas further and to
encourage greater community stewardship.”
Note: Councillor Buchan is invited to attend for this item

5.9 Motion by Councillor McInnes - Traffic Safety around George

Watson's College – submitted in terms of Standing Order 28

“Committee:

(i) notes that the close proximity of George Watson’s College to

Merchiston Gardens causes very significant traffic volume, parking
issues and general safety issues at peak times;

(ii) notes that George Watson’s College as well as local residents are
very concerned by the current situation;

(iii) notes that a consultation on a 20mph zone for the Merchiston

Gardens area is about to begin and calls for a report on options to
improve traffic safety on Merchiston Gardens, exploring all available
options including partial closure, a one way system and raised
junctions to help alleviate the serious problems.”

5.10 Motion by Councillor Gordon Mackenzie - Covered On-Street Cycle

Storage – submitted in terms of Standing Order 28

“Committee notes that the lack of suitable cycle storage facilities is

reported to be a significant deterrent to increased cycle use in parts of
Edinburgh.

Committee therefore instructs the Head of Transport to work with

appropriate user groups, residents and other stakeholders to source
funding for the establishment of a number of pilot schemes to provide
covered on-street storage for bicycles.

Committee further instructs that these schemes should be evaluated and

reported to a future meeting in sufficient time to consider inclusion of an
extension of on street cycle storage in the reprocurement of bus shelter
maintenance and associated contracts.”
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5.11 Motion by Councillor Gordon Mackenzie – Road Safety Implications

of Subdivision or Redevelopment of Residential Properties –
submitted in terms of Standing Order 28

“Committee notes that, in some cases, the redevelopment of residential

properties has resulted in multiple households accessing public roads via
an entrance/exit which was not designed for that level of use.

Committee notes that there are particular concerns in conservation areas

where planning considerations have impacted on the widening of
entrances and other measures which would improve safety for road users.
Committee further notes that in areas where there are high levels of on-
street parking this problem can be exacerbated.

Committee agrees to request a report from the Head of Transport

providing:

 steps which may be taken to address problems with previous

redevelopments, where these have been raised with the Council,
including guidance on the circumstances and factors which would be
considered relevant to an appraisal of the problem and potential
solutions;

 in consultation with the Head of Planning, a review of transport

guidance to Planning in respect of future applications for subdivisions
or redevelopments.”

5.12 By Councillor McIvor - Queensferry Road – Speed Indicator Sign –

submitted in terms of Standing Order 28

“The Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee requests a

traffic engineering report on the feasibility of a speed indicator sign to be
placed at an appropriate point on Queensferry Road, west of Dean Bridge
on the westbound lane.

This is a result of a request from Buckingham Terrace Residents’

Association on grounds of safety and protection from speeding vehicles.”

5.13 By Councillor Mowat – Residents’ Parking – submitted in terms of

Standing Order 28

“Committee notes that parking in the Central and peripheral parking zones
is becoming increasingly difficult for residents particularly in the evening
given pressure on residents’ parking spaces from:

a) increased numbers of visitors to the City Centre for leisure and retail
purposes; and;
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b) the operation of parking regulations ceasing at 18.30 in the central

zone and 17.30 in the peripheral zones.

Committee therefore calls for a report on increasing the enforceable hours

in the central and peripheral parking zones to alleviate the pressure on
residents’ parking.”

5.14 Van Access to the Community Recycling Centres – Response to

Motion by Councillor Aldridge - report by the Director of Services for
Communities (circulated)

5.15 Talking Buses - Response to Motion by Councillor Whyte - report by

the Director of City Development (circulated)

Note: Councillor Whyte is invited to attend for this item

Performance Monitoring

6 Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Performance Report –

December 2010/January 2011 - joint report by the Directors of City
Development and Services for Communities (circulated)

Environment

7 Cleanliness of the City – report by the Director of Services for Communities

(circulated)

8 Carriageway and Footway Capital Investment – October 2011-March 2012 -

report by the Director of Services for Communities (circulated)

9 Introduction of Waiting Restrictions in Clark Road - report by the Director of

Services for Communities (circulated)

10 Proposed Waiting Restrictions – Craig’s Road - report by the Director of

Services for Communities (circulated)

Transport
11 Supported Bus Service 18: Renewal of Contract - report by the Director of
City Development (circulated)

12 Update on Disabled Persons’ Parking Places (Scotland) Act 2009 – report

by the Director of City Development (to follow)
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13 Controlled Parking Zone – Parking in Fettes Avenue and Carrington Road

- report by the Director of City Development (circulated)

14 Priority Parking – South of S2 – Results of Investigation West of Comiston

Road – report by the Director of City Development (circulated)

15 Priority Parking – South of S1 – Results of Formal Consultation - report by

the Director of City Development (circulated)

16 Nine Hour Parking in the Extended Controlled Parking Zone – report by the
Director of City Development (circulated)

17 Electric Vehicle Charging Points – Plugged In Places, Edinburgh – report

by the Director of City Development (circulated)

18 A8 Glasgow Road and Granton – Commencement of Statutory Procedures

to Permit Use of Footways by Cyclists - report by the Director of City
Development (circulated)

19 Traffic Calming (Road Humps) Consultation - Buckstone Phase 2 and

Broughton Zone Edinburgh – report by the Director of City Development
(circulated)

20 Pedestrian Crossing Prioritisation – New Priority List - report by the

Director of City Development (circulated)

21 Objections to the Comiston Road Bus Lane Traffic Regulation Order -

report by the Director of City Development (circulated)

Reports by Other Committees

22 City Centre and Princes Street Public Realm - report from the Policy and
Strategy Committee (circulated)

23 Accessible and Community Transport Services: New Service Delivery

Agreements – report from the Finance and Resources Committee (circulated)

Alastair Maclean
Head of Legal and Administrative Services
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Notes: (1) If members intend to appoint substitutes they should contact

Carmel Riley,  0131 529 4830; e-mail
carmel.riley@edinburgh.gov.uk.
(2) If you have any questions about the agenda or meeting arrangements,
please contact Carmel Riley  0131 529 4830; e-mail
carmel.riley@edinburgh.gov.uk, City of Edinburgh Council, City
Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ.

(3) A copy of the agenda and papers for this meeting will be available for
inspection prior to the meeting at the main reception office, City
Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh. Copies will also be available at the
meeting.

(4) The agenda, minutes and public reports for this meeting and all the
main Council committees can be viewed online by going to
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/cpol. Elected Members and Officers of the
Council can also view them by going to the Orb and clicking on Council
papers online.

Membership Councillor Gordon Mackenzie Councillor Jackson

(Convener) Councillor McInnes
Councillor Aldridge (Vice-Convener) Councillor McIvor
Councillor Barry Councillor Mowat
Councillor Buchanan Councillor Peacock
Councillor Burgess Councillor Perry
Councillor Child Councillor Tymkewcyz
Councillor Dundas Councillor Wilson
Councillor Elliott-Cannon Leader (ex officio)
Councillor Hawkins Deputy Leader (ex officio)

Members Councillor Buchan (Items 5.1 & 5.8)

Called for Councillor Ewan Aitken (Items 5.2, 5.6 &
Motions
5.7)
Councillor Johnstone (Items 5.3 & 5.4)
Councillor Godzik (Item 5.5)
Councillor Whyte (Item 5.15)

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