Edinburghis a magnificent city, the fastest growing city in Scotland, with populationgrowth of some 1% per annum. People from all over the UK, and beyond, make apositive choice to come here to live and to work.
Itis vital that those residents can walk, cycle and travel by public transport.So, over the last five years, Labour has worked hard to ensure that we areforward thinking in how people get around. We have significantlyincreased investment in public transport.
Edinburghis thus the only city in the UK which has seen a decrease in car ownershipalong with increased use of buses, cycling and walking. This has happened because Labour has investedin Active Travel.
Labourhas further pledged to continue with pavement resurfacing and will create adedicated BUDGET FOR WALKING to be used to install more pedestriancrossings, drop kerbs, pedestrian zones and increase pathways.
Labouralso pledged, back in 2012, to increase spending on cycling and it has followedthrough with that promise. Spending on cycling is now 10% of thetransport budget, using the money to make routes safer. We renew thatpledge to MAINTAIN SPENDING ON CYCLING AT 10%; to complete the west toeast link across the city centre, and to build segregated cycle lanes. Not only do we pledge to continue our work but we will introduce a cycle hirescheme that is fit for purpose and will enhance visitors and residentsexperience of Edinburgh.
Andaward-winning Lothian Buses has upgraded its fleet with more accessible andless polluting vehicles. Passenger numbers are rising every year.
AsLabour has always promised, andwill always PROMISE, we will fight to KEEP LOTHIAN BUSES AND EDINBURGH TRAMS IN PUBLIC OWNERSHIP. Edinburgh Trams currently has one of thehighest service satisfactions in the latest passenger survey.
Labourwill continue to fight for a cleaner, safer Edinburgh to travel around in; with20MPH zones in the City Centre, residential and shopping areas, while 30MPH& 40MPH will be maintained on arterial routes.
Wewill also look to introduce a LOW EMISSION ZONE in the city and monitorit to ensure there is no shift of pollution to other areas.
Karen Doran and Karen Keil
Edinburgh Labour Councillors for City Centre and Drumbrae