Section 1: Current Consultations

(in date order for responses)

1.1: Scottish Government – Review of permitted development rights – phase 2 consultation

This review of permitted development rights (PDRs) covers two areas you may be interested in providing your views on to government:

• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure – making it easier to install EV chargers in our communities.
• Changes of use in centres and other locations – making it easier to change building use which could have benefit in creating 20-minute neighbourhoods.

The biggest issue in this consultation is that we want more EV charging points and they should be easier to install. But (and its a big BUT) EV chargers must not be located in places which block pavements or cycle lanes. Sounds obvious, but there are plenty of examples of bad practice. For example, see my response to this tweet.

Question 15 is the key question to respond to on this. It asks ‘What conditions and limitations would need to be placed on any additional PDR for EV charging infrastructure in roads? Please explain your answer’. Here are a few points I suggest you make:

• More EV charging infrastructure on Scotland’s roads as one of the solutions to decarbonising transport.
• Limitations must be set so that EV chargers are not located on footways, footpaths or cycle ways.
• EV chargers for cars, vans and other EV vehicles should be in the carriageway or take space from the carriageway. For example, through a build out of the footway into the carriageway. (There may be some exceptions where a footway/pavement is wide enough to accommodate chargers.)
• EV charging points on footpaths and footways often leave insufficient space for pedestrians to safely pass. Furthermore, they can be hazardous for blind, partially sighted and disabled people.
• EV charging points should not be installed where their cables could obstruct future cycle tracks, since charging points cannot be relocated easily.
• PDRs should extend to EV charging for e-bikes so that councils and other bodies can install e-bike charging facilities at new or future cycle parking infrastructure.

Closes 3 August 2022.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Transport Scotland is developing a new Cycling Framework and Delivery Plan for Active Travel which is the follow up to the Cycling Action Plan. This will be very important for driving forward action on cycling so will be a highlight of a digest sometime in the autumn.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

None this month

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. *NEW* Glasgow City Council, “Yorkhill Quay masterplan to fulfil River Clyde blue corridor vision”
2. Glasgow City Council – new City Development Plan, closes 11 December
3. East Dunbartonshire Council – Proposed Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2), closes 15 January 2021
4. OnBikes and St Paul’s Youth Forum – short survey for Sustrans’ Places for Everyone scheme
5. *NEW* Glasgow City Council – Protected Junction Trial consultation

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Traffic Regulation Orders to make Covid 19 pop-ups permanent

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Glasgow City Council (City Centre) (Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation No 27) Order 202, waiting and loading, plus EV parking, GCC response to our submission
2. Glasgow City Council (Ruchazie Road) Traffic Calming Scheme (OFFICIAL) and a query as to the effectiveness of these measures, survey information from GCC
3. East Renfrewshire Council, update on Proposed Local Development Plan 2
4. Glasgow City Council, Pollok Park planning application approved

Section 1: Current Consultations
(in date order for responses)

1.1: *NEW* Glasgow City Council, “Yorkhill Quay masterplan to fulfil River Clyde blue corridor vision”

GoBike member Brenda tells us there’s an online consultation for a pre-planning application for the strip of land along the river between Riverside museum and the new distillery.  Includes the offer of ‘live chat’ on Thurs 12 Nov between 10am and 1pm.  Looks like a row of massively tall blocks of flats surrounded by parking, with a relatively narrow, completely exposed strip along the riverside providing the advertised ‘complete permeability’. (I may be biased).
We think this is a requirement for major developments, and gets reported in the Design and Access Statement that forms part of the eventual planning application.  Perhaps they even need to show that they’ve addressed concerns raised by respondents…
There’s a summary of the possible proposal and a consultation.
Available for viewing till 30 November.

Doesn’t look like Glasgow at all, does it?

1.2: Glasgow City Council – new City Development Plan
(Closes 11 December)

First covered in Digest issue 72, Item 1.7. GCC’s email said “We are working with our partners, The Future Fox to host an online engagement called Placebuilder. It is designed to help us understand the experiences and ideas of Glasgow’s different neighbourhood communities on what they think works, what could be better and what they would like to see change.“ Plenty of scope there – link to Placebuilder online engagement.

1.3: East Dunbartonshire Council –
Proposed Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2)
(Closes 15 January 2021)

East Dunbartonshire were the only mainland council that didn’t bid for any funding from the Spaces for People programme by Sustrans. If you’d like to encourage EDC to improve on that record (and maybe finish the Bearsway or something) then you have a chance to mention it in this consultation. As covered in Digest issue 72, Item 1.8. See the Council website: www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/LDP2. Apparently “your representation should be submitted by e-mail to” development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk. 

1.4: OnBikes and St Paul’s Youth Forum – short survey for Sustrans’ Places for Everyone scheme

This multiple choice survey (as covered in Digest issue 72, Item 1.1) was originally looking for quick feedback but remains open. OnBikes and SPYF (St Paul’s Youth Forum) are working on a Places for Everyone project to improve active travel infrastructure in parts of North East Glasgow like Smithycroft, Riddrie and Blackhill.

1.5: **NEW** Glasgow City Council – Protected Junction Trial consultation

Posters of a new junction on Victoria Road have been appearing on bus shelters around Glasgow (as seen by GoBike member Steph). The City Council’s website says:
“As part of the South City Way, we will be trialling protected junctions on Victoria Road at the Calder Street and Allison Street junctions. Protected junctions are widely and successfully used across Europe, however they are relatively new in the UK and these will be the first in the UK outside of London!
A ‘protected junction’ is a road junction designed so that people travelling on foot, by cycle, and in vehicles are all separated as they pass through the junction. The aim is to make the junctions safer for all road users, and particularly for those on cycles. Unlike other junctions, which normally require right-turning cyclists to wait in the centre of the junction for a suitable gap in the traffic, the protected junction offers a safer alternative. Protected cycle tracks – like those on the South City Way – make it easier for people to make everyday journeys by cycle instead of by car. ”

That last sentence may seem obvious but there will be plenty of people in the city who struggle to get their heads around it. The stately progress of the South City Way may be a source of frustration for many. However, it is innovative (for Scotland) and we do need to see more along similar lines. So, if you want to show support for the new junctions, or just find out more, see GCC’s Protected Junctions webpage for further images, a video, a PDF document and a contact link. The junction trial will last two years but there’s no deadline mentioned for feedback.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1: Traffic Regulation Orders to make Covid 19 pop-ups permanent

Michael Matheson spoke at the Cycling Scotland online conference on 05 November. He was very hopeful that local authorities would choose, and be able, to make many of the measures permanent. TROs, which will come through the normal consultation channels, will be required.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1: Glasgow City Council (City Centre) (Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation No 27) Order 202, waiting and loading, plus EV parking, GCC response to our submission

In Digest 71, Item 1.5, we published this consultation and mentioned our concern that there was no mention of the proposed introduction of two-way cycling on Candleriggs. Here’s the letter we submitted on 26 October and on 29 October we received this response:

“Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order.

With regards to contraflow cycling on Candleriggs, I can advise that this aspect of the TRO has been withdrawn since the first consultation.  This is as a result of an existing goods vehicle loading facility located on the west side of Candleriggs, approximately 15 metres south of Bell Street which will remain in place.  It has been noted that the publicised drawing incorrectly shows existing double kerb markings at this location instead of single kerb markings and the removal of this proposal should have been included in the consultation email that stakeholders received.  This was omitted in error after the implementation of this TRO was passed from our Project Services department to our Parking Services department.

In view of the above loading facility remaining in place, a decision was taken to remove contraflow cycling at this location in order to prevent the possibility of northbound cyclists having to cycle into the centre of the carriageway if a goods vehicle was situated at the above loading facility, with limited visibility of oncoming traffic and potentially come into conflict with an oncoming southbound vehicle.

I appreciate that you may feel frustrated at this decision, however, it has been taken with road safety in mind, particularly for cyclists.  However, I would advise that the Council remain committed to introducing contraflow cycling where it is deemed safe and will keep this area under consideration for future proposed TRO’s.

I trust this is of assistance at this time.

Yours sincerely

Kevin Hamilton
Head of Roads
Neighbourhoods and Sustainability”

This is sad news and yet another blow for the permeability that cycles offer for getting around in Glasgow.

3.2: Glasgow City Council, (Ruchazie Road) Traffic Calming Scheme (OFFICIAL) and a query as to the effectiveness of these measures, survey information from GCC

In our last Digest, issue 72, Item 3.4, we published Glasgow City Council’s confirmation that speed cushions will be installed on Ruchazie Road and in reply we asked the question as to before and after speed checks to confirm the effectiveness of speed cushions. Here’s the response we received on 02 November:

“Thank you for your undernoted enquiry.

I can advise that due to the circumstances caused by Covid-19, we are still awaiting the results of the “after” surveys for the traffic calming schemes that were installed towards the end of the last financial year and this financial year.

I can however provide results for other locations at which we have installed speed cushions over the past 18 months. A survey was carried out prior to the implementation of traffic calming on Sunnybank Street, between 23/04/2019 and 29/04/2019, during which time the average speed of vehicles was found to be 22mph and the 85^th percentile speed was 28mph. Although this may not seem excessive, it should be noted that there is a newly built primary school on this street and a bus gate adjacent to the school was to be removed as part of the works associated with the formation of school. After the traffic calming had been implemented, a survey was carried out between 25/11/2019 and 30/11/2019 and found the average speed had dropped to 17mph and the 85^th percentile speed had significantly dropped to 21mph.

A survey was also carried out prior to the implementation of traffic calming on Kingsland Drive, between 11/02/2019 and 17/02/2019, during which time the average speed of vehicles was found to be 28mph and the 85^th percentile speed was 33mph. After the traffic calming had been implemented, a survey was carried out between 19/02/2020 and 25/02/2020, during which the average speed had dropped to 21mph and the 85^th percentile speed had significantly dropped to 25mph.

I can advise that, should you wish, once we receive the results of the most recent surveys and have comparable “before” and “after” data available for the latest schemes, I will forward these to you.

I trust the above information is of assistance, however, should you require any further information, please contact (details removed by GoBike).

Kevin Hamilton
Head of Roads, Neighbourhoods And Sustainability“

GoBike has confirmed that we wish to see the results of any further before and after tests. The results look good but we have asked for details of how they are carried out.

3.3: East Renfrewshire Council, update on Proposed Local Development Plan 2

GoBike responded to the Local Development Plan 2 as reported in Digest 49, Item 1.3 and received an initial response that was included in Digest 50, Item 3.9
East Renfrewshire Council have now informed us our “representation has not been resolved” about LDP2 and so Scottish Government reporters have been appointed to examine it:

“DPEA PLAN REF NO: LDP-220-3

The above proposed plan was submitted to Scottish Ministers on 18 August 2020 for examination.  The local development plan is a document that sets out which types of development should take place where, and which areas should be protected from development.  It also contains policies that inform the planning authority’s decisions on planning applications.

You had previously made a representation regarding this plan when it was consulted upon from 21 October until 13 December 2019 and Scottish Ministers have been made aware that your representation has not been resolved. 

The Scottish Ministers have appointed Mr Alasdair Edwards MA(Hons) and Mr Malcolm Mahony BA(Hons) MRTPI as the reporters who will carry out the examination of the above proposed plan.  The administration of the examination will be carried out by the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA).

We have provided the reporters with a summary of the issues that we consider should be assessed at the examination, and a copy of your full representation.  Your representation will be considered by the reporters. 

Please note that additional reporters may be appointed to support the speedy delivery of the report.

The reporters will now commence the examination of conformity with our participation statement as required by Section 19(4) of the Town and Country Planning Scotland Act 1997 (as amended).  To comply with Section 19(7) of the Act, the examination of the above proposed plan under Section 19(3) of the Act will not commence until the examination of conformity with the participation statement has concluded, or until four weeks from the date of the appointment of the reporters, whichever is the latter.  Therefore the earliest date upon which the examination of issues raised in representations will commence is 19 November 2020. 

A notice regarding this examination has been published in the Evening Times and Barrhead News.

A copy of the proposed plan will be available for public viewing on our website: http://www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/ldp2

You do not need to take any action in response to this letter.  The reporters are not expected to require further information from you, but if they do DPEA will write to you specifying what is needed and how and when you should submit it.

Information about the examination including a summary of the issues being addressed by the reporters (known as Schedule 4 Forms), Further Information Requests and Responses, Document Lists, any Hearing and Inquiry Statements, and in due course, the Recommendations by Issue Table and the Examination Report can be found at the DPEA’s website using the link below:
http://www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=121161;

Further guidance on the examination process is available from the Scottish Government’s website using the weblink below:
https://beta.gov.scot/policies/planning-architecture/development-plans/

A guidance note that explains development plan examinations for people who have submitted representations is available at the weblink below:
https://beta.gov.scot/publications/development-plan-representations-guidance/

If you require further information about the progress of the examination please contact Jayne Anderson , Planning and Environmental Appeals, 4 The Courtyard, Callendar Business Park , Falkirk , FK1 1XR, or telephone 0131 244 6934, or email Jayne.Anderson@gov.scot

Please note that DPEA will be moving office with effect from Monday 16 November. 

The new address will be Planning and Environmental Appeals Division, Scottish Government, Ground Floor, Hadrian House, Callendar Business Park, Callendar Road, Falkirk FK1 1XR

All telephone numbers and e-mail addresses will remain the same.

DPEA collect information if you take part in the planning process, use DPEA websites, send correspondence to DPEA or attend a webcast.  To find out more about what information is collected, how the information is used and managed please read the DPEA’s privacy notice – https://beta.gov.scot/publications/planning-and-environmental-appeals-division-privacy-notice/

Yours faithfully

Gillian McCarney
Head of Environment (Chief Planning Officer)”

We’ll update you on any further news.

3.4 Glasgow City Council, Pollok Park planning application approved

You might have seen in the press that the planning application, 20/01352/FUL, to build a new access road into the Park has now been approved. See details on the City Council’s Planning website.
In confirmation we received this email from the City Council yesterday, 09 November :

“We are writing to let you know that the Planning Application for an Active Travel Management Plan in Pollok Country Park was approved on the 6^th November 2020. The full application is available to view here (Reference Number 20/01352/FUL): https://publicaccess.glasgow.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QAZZ49EXIKO00&activeTab=summary

The status of the application will be updated shortly.
Kind Regards,
Glasgow City Council/Glasgow Life“

This Glasgow Times article reports on the forthcoming Council meeting that confirmed the decision. GoBike and one of our members are both quoted. It’s bad news: trees being removed to make way for cars in a park, of all places. Yes, we know it’s to a world-renowned museum; we just hope the private, non-blue-badge, cars are controlled and kept to the new car park at the edge of the park.

__________________________________________________

This Digest is a joint effort by the old and a new compiler. If you would like to join our consultations team just drop an email to consultations@gobike.org giving some details of your interests and/or skills in the topic.

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** OnBikes and St Paul’s Youth Forum, short survey for Sustrans’ Places for Everyone scheme, please respond as soon as possible!
2. Glasgow City Council, Connecting Communities, Transport Strategy Public Conversation, Your Views, closes 30 October
3. Glasgow City Council (City Centre) (Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation No 27) Order 202, waiting and loading, plus EV parking, closes 30 October
4. The Guardian Newspaper, Why we need media reporting guidelines for road safety, closes 08 November
5. The Scottish Government, Programme for Reviewing and Extending Permitted Development Rights (PDR) in Scotland – Consultation on Phase 1 Proposals, closes 08 November
6. Transport Scotland, Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 – Draft Public Consultation, closes 01 December
7. **NEW** Glasgow City Council, new City Development Plan, closes 11 December
8. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire Proposed Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2), closes 15 January 2021

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. NHS Lanarkshire, new Monklands Hospital, GoBike response
2. Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project, newsletter, including new bridge over White Cart
3. Stockingfield Bridge diversion details
4. Glasgow City Council, Ruchazie Road speed cushion confirmation – and our question!
5. East Dunbartonshire Council, Local Development Plan Newsletter No 60

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order for responses

1.1 **NEW** OnBikes and St Paul’s Youth Forum, short survey for Sustrans’ Places for Everyone scheme, please respond as soon as possible!

This is a reminder of the blog that came out on 18 October. If you haven’t read it yet then please click here, read it and respond! The north east of the city needs you. The survey is quick and easy to do.

Responses are requested as soon as possible to meet Sustrans’ funding timetable.

1.2 Glasgow City Council, Connecting Communities, Transport Strategy Public Conversation, Your Views, closes 30 October

This consultation from the City Council first appeared in Digest 70, Item 1.9. The survey is a must-do for active travellers, so please do give it a go by Friday.

1.3 Glasgow City Council (City Centre) (Traffic Management) Order 2010 (Variation No 27) Order 202, waiting and loading, plus EV parking, closes 30 October

This consultation featured first in our previous Digest, 71, Item 1.5 and here’s the GoBike letter in response. In the letter there is reference to the Stage One consultation letter that we submitted; we were not able to publish that response at the time but here it is now, for reference.

1.4 The Guardian Newspaper, Why we need media reporting guidelines for road safety, closes 08 November

We know from the struggles of all under-represented groups that the use of language is important. In our case, some of the language used about cycling and those of us who cycle is very pejorative. This survey, taken from the Guardian newspaper, was in Digest 71, Item 1.6 and is well worth a few minutes of your time, if you haven’t already completed it. Here’s the link and you need to read a bit of text so that you can complete the very short survey.

1.5 The Scottish Government, Programme for Reviewing and Extending Permitted Development Rights (PDR) in Scotland – Consultation on Phase 1 Proposals, closes 08 November

Item 1.7 in Digest 71 gave the details for this consultation – a must for any cycling tenement dweller! Do please look at this link and get your views in.

1.6 Transport Scotland, Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 – Draft Public Consultation, closes 01 December

This consultation, first featured in Digest 69, Item 1.13 and it’s clear, with an average of 3 people per week being killed on Scotland’s roads that something needs to be done about road safety.
Here’s the link to the consultation information.

1.7 **NEW** Glasgow City Council, new City Development Plan, closes 11 December

How good are our places? This is what the City Council wants to know, with this email from 21 October that GoBike member, Derek M, forwarded to us:

“Good afternoon 
Glasgow City Council is preparing a new City Development Plan and we want to hear your views on what it should say. We are working with our partners, The Future Fox to host an online engagement called Placebuilder. It is designed to help us understand the experiences and ideas of Glasgow’s different neighbourhood communities on what they think works, what could be better and what they would like to see change. 
The engagement will run from Wednesday 21^st October until Friday 11^th December 2020. If you click on the image below you will be taken to the engagement home page where you can choose to answer questions about your neighbourhood. Or if you are really interested in a specific issue in a specific place you can tag the map and tell us more.   

Here’s the link from the image. (The image, but not the link, copied from the email!)

We want to hear from all age groups including from younger people, and all backgrounds, circumstances, and locations so the Plan can reflect Glasgow’s diverse population. Understanding how everyday Glasgow works will help us create a Plan that leads to a better city experience as well as addressing the big issues we face like tackling climate change, helping to create more opportunities to work and improving health and wellbeing.

The Plan will also guide where we want new development to happen in order to make Glasgow a more healthy, liveable, and successful place. Things like the location of new housing and businesses, how we can improve our town centres or re-use vacant land and protect our important built and natural assets.

The new Plan will affect every neighbourhood in the Glasgow City Council Area and will guide how every part of the city should be developed in the future. We want this to be influenced by what you – the people of Glasgow, think about our city and what the local priorities for change are. By using the tools in this consultation we hope to get an understanding of how our different places need to be looked at in the new Plan. Your opinions will form an important part of the Plan’s evidence base which means it is responsive to our communities’ views and ideas. This is the start of the process and we will be taking more opportunities to speak to specific groups and gain ideas. It will take a number of years to gather all of the information and other evidence before we are able to share a draft plan but your comments and suggestions will help us prepare a Plan that reflects the priorities of all of Glasgow’s communities.   

Development Plan,
Development and Regeneration Services
Glasgow City Council231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX
developmentplan@glasgow.gov.uk“

So do please get your views in.

1.8 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire Proposed Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2), closes 15 January 2021

Here’s the email that we received from East Dunbartonshire Council on 22 October, bearing the news forecast in Digest 70, Section 2, Forthcoming Consultations:

“Dear Sir/ Madam,

East Dunbartonshire Council has published the proposed LDP2 and is notifying you of the representation period for the Proposed Plan, from Monday 19th October 2020 until Friday 15th January 2021. You have been sent this email because you have previously shown an interest in the development plan process.
The Proposed LDP2 sets out policies and proposals to guide land use change and improve the quality of development. It includes the following policies:
a development strategy, seven community policies and subject policies.

The Council is also consulting on the following related documents:
· Environmental Report
· Proposed Delivery Programme
· Proposed Sustainability and Energy Statement form
· Additional Site Assessments for Nine Sites Submitted During the Main Issues Report Consultation in 2019
· Habitats Regulations Appraisal

The Proposed LDP2 and the other related five consultation documents may be viewed on the Council website: www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/LDP2
Due to the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic a hard copy of the LDP2 and the other documents will also be available to borrow in the following libraries as part of the Connect and Collect service, collection is by appointment only.
For further information on this service please check the East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust website https://www.edlc.co.uk/libraries/connect-collect, or telephone the following libraries between 10am and 1pm.
· Bearsden Library, 69 Drymen Road, Bearsden G61 3QT. Telephone 0141 777 3021
· Bishopbriggs Library, 170 Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs G64 2LX. Telephone 0141 777 3155
· Lennoxtown Library, 46 Main Street, Lennoxtown G66 7JJ. Telephone 0141 777 3151
· Milngavie Library, Allander Road, Milngavie G62 8PN. Telephone 0141 956 2776
· William Patrick Library, 2-4 West High Street, Kirkintilloch G66 1AD. Telephone 0141 777 3141

If you would like to make a representation to the Council on the Proposed LDP2 a representation form and further information is available on the Council website: www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/LDP2
The Land Planning Policy Team is also available to answer any enquiries by telephone and email, Monday to Friday 9am ? 5pm, on 0300 123 4510. Your representation should explain clearly and concisely your reasons for seeking a change to, or supporting, the Proposed LDP2 and you are encouraged to use the representation form. Your representation should be submitted by e-mail to development.plan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or by post to: Land Planning Policy Team Broomhill Depot Kilsyth Road Kirkintilloch G66 1TP
Representations should be submitted no later than 5pm on Friday 15th January 2021. “

Plenty for you residents of East Dunbartonshire to get your teeth into there!

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

No news again.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 NHS Lanarkshire, new Monklands Hospital, GoBike response

Item 1.1 in Digest 71 highlighted the consultation on the location for the proposed new Monklands Hospital, which closed on 18 October. Of the 3 possible sites GoBike favours the Wester Moffat site, shown above and here’s our submission of 16 October explaining why. This site is definitely the best for active travel and public transport for the nearby population.

Here’s the acknowledgement that we received on 20 October:

“Monklands Replacement Project

Thank you for your email. This is confirmation that the project team have received your email and your feedback has been noted.

In the meantime, any updates will be published at www.monklands.scot.nhs.uk “

3.2 Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project, newsletter, including new bridge over White Cart

Here’s the latest news from the Glasgow Airport Investment Area, received on 19 October:

“We wanted to draw your attention to the following update on the GAIA City Deal project …

As construction progresses at our Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project, our contractor Wills Bros Civil Engineering, have issued the second GAIA newsletter which provides an update on progress of construction works on the project. You can view this from the related document section of our GAIA webpage at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/gaia.

Second issue of official newsletter for the Glasgow Airport Investment Area (GAIA) project.

This newsletter, which is the second in a series updates as the project progresses, includes: Project progress; Traffic management including lane closures required to allow construction to progress; Covid-19 safety measures; Community updates; and Next steps. You can download the newsletter from the related documents section of our GAIA project page at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/gaia.“

3.3 Stockingfield Bridge diversion details

Here we have the latest news, received on 19 October via Sustrans:

“From: Communications [mailto:Communications@scottishcanals.co.uk]
Sent: 19 October 2020 15:57
Subject: Stockingfield Bridge Update

Good afternoon,

I want to update you on progress of the new Stockingfield Bridge, which will not only reconnect the communities of Ruchill, Gilshochill and Maryhill but complete the last link in the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath, bringing a major active travel improvement.

Unfortunately, as part of the construction of the bridge it is necessary to temporarily close a section of the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath between Ruchill Street in Maryhill and Stockingfield Junction from November 16, 2020 to approximately July 2022.

This will impact anyone walking or cycling the following routes:

• Bowling to Falkirk
• Bowling to Glasgow City Centre
• Falkirk to Glasgow City Centre

The canal will also be closed to boating traffic from November 1 to March 15^, 2021.

A 4.4km towpath diversion has been put in place for walkers and cyclists that follows the River Kelvin, avoiding the traffic-heavy alternative of Maryhill Road. The route, which has been agreed with Sustrans and Glasgow City Council, will be clearly marked and letters are being distributed to local residents by our contractor.

An area of ground adjacent to the canal is also being provided for local dog walkers during this closure period, which will also be well signposted.

As well as opening up a new access route for people living in Ruchill, Gilshochill and Maryhill with the west end and city centre, the new bridge will allow walkers and cyclists to cross the canal at towpath level rather than having to drop off and negotiate the road tunnel at Lochburn Road before rejoining the path again.

The increased access to the canal and the design of the bridge structure with an integrated observation deck and landscaping on this currently underused site will encourage greater use of the canal.

As part of the development new traffic signals will also be installed on Lochburn Road to manage traffic through the Stockingfield Aqeduct.

If you require any more information, please get in touch.

Yours sincerely
Alasdair Hamilton
Technical Manager
Scottish Canals“

The River Kelvin path will be busy then; shame the City Council hasn’t installed cycle lanes on Maryhill Road yet, but, on the bright side, we do have a diversion.

3.4 Glasgow City Council, Ruchazie Road speed cushion confirmation – and our question!

Back in Digest 69, Item 1.10, we published proposals for speed cushions to be installed on Ruchazie Road. Here’s the letter of objection to this and 4 other schemes across the city that we submitted on 15 September.

Glasgow City Council confirmed by email on 20 October that the scheme will go ahead as proposed with 40 speed cushions and 26 bollards to be installed.

GoBike, on 24 October, submitted this question in response to the City Council:

“Hello,

Thank you for this response.

Many GoBike members ask about the effectiveness of speed cushions in reducing the speed of motor traffic and reducing collisions, both between motor vehicles and between motor vehicles and people. Thus could you please send me the results of your post-installation surveys so that we speed-cushion-sceptics may be reassured that the City Council is acting wisely to improve safety on our streets?

Many thanks“

We’ll let you know if and when we get a reply.

3.5 East Dunbartonshire Council, Local Development Plan Newsletter No 60

Here’s the latest newsletter from EDC, received on 21 October

In this newsletter:
 Have Your Say on the Proposed Local Development Plan 2
 Clydeplan Draft Forestry and Woodland Strategy Consultation
 Electric Vehicles in East Dunbartonshire
 Guide for Home Businesses

_____________________________________________________

That’s it for now, but watch out for more news in 2 weeks and some forthcoming changes in our Digests!

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** Scotland’s Low Emission Zones: Consultation on Regulations and Guidance, closes 24 February
2. Scottish Government, Housing to 2040: consultation on outline policy options, closes 28 February
3. **NEW-ish** Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, commonplace map for comments closes 09 March
4. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Dalkeith Avenue, Wellington Road and Westerhill Road, Bishopbriggs, No Waiting and No Loading at any time, closes 16 March

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Glasgow, additional South City Way event for Battlefield extension, TODAY, 18 February, 4-6pm, Langside Library, Sinclair Drive
2. Glasgow, Yorkhill & Kelvingrove Community Council Cycling Village consultation, TOMORROW, 19 February

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. North Lanarkshire Council tell us about the new Scottish Transforming Planning Website
2. Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, submission and acknowledgement
3. Glasgow, Ardencraig Road, Traffic Calming, submission
4. Glasgow, Bankfoot Road and Wedderlea Drive, Traffic Calming, submission
5. Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive, Traffic Calming Submission
6. Glasgow, Mosspark Drive Traffic Calming, submission
7. Glasgow, Carmunnock Road Service Road, One-Way with no contraflow, submission
8. Glasgow, South Side Car Club TRO, submission
9. North Lanarkshire, £5 million electric vehicle charging network
10. Glasgow, Byres Road Traffic Management & Parking (for cycle lanes),submission
11. Glasgow, Byres Road 20mph TRO, submission
12. Glasgow, Hillhead Traffic Management and Parking Controls TRO, submission
13. East Dunbartonshire, Bearsden Town Centre, Waiting & Loading Restrictions confirmed.
14. Glasgow, Celtic Park & Emirates Arena, Event Day Emergency Routes and Parking Zone, Order 20__, Public Hearing 10 March
15. Glasgow, Ibrox Stadium, Event Day Emergency Routes and Parking Zone, Order 20__, Public Hearing 11 March
16. Glasgow University Campus Development February update
17. Glasgow, Good News with some Progress on Contraflow Cycling

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order for response

1.1 **NEW** Scotland’s Low Emission Zones: Consultation on Regulations and Guidance, closes 24 February

GoBike member, Steph, has alerted us to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Low Emission Zones. As with the next item on Housing, it’s a bit confusing at first, but do give it a try if you are concerned about all the pollution in our urban centres. There does seem to be a presumption that contravening an LEZ is a bit like a parking infringement, ie an inconvenience, rather than something that is causing ill-health and death, particularly for the disadvantaged in our society. No doubt cycle uptake would increase if our streets were cleaner, too.

1.2 Scottish Government, Housing to 2040: consultation on outline policy options, closes 28 February

This consultation featured as Item 1.12 in Digest 53 and here’s the link again: https://www.gov.scot/publications/housing-2040-consultation-outline-policy-options/pages/3/

This is the link to the start of your response: https://consult.gov.scot/housing-services-policy-unit/housing-to-2040/consultation/intro/

I found it all a bit confusing but did manage to mention active travel and my preference for terraced and tenement-style housing linked with good cycleways. Give it a try and let’s get active travel ranked above the private car.

1.3 **NEW-ish** Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, commonplace map for comments closes 09 March

We’ve had lots of news about Woodside but the latest update signals the closure of the commonplace map on 09 March. It’s good to read that 22 dropped kerbs and 80 bike parking stands have been installed in the project area to date, so do have a look and see what else is needed.

1.4 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Dalkeith Avenue, Wellington Road and Westerhill Road, Bishopbriggs, No Waiting and No Loading at any time, closes 16 March

This proposal, to remove on-street parking from a short section of Westerhill Road just off Kirkintilloch Road in Bishopbriggs and the junction areas with Dalkeith Avenue and Wellington Road, arrived by email on 11 February from East Dunbartonshire Council:

“PROPOSED: THE EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL (DALKEITH AVENUE, WELLINGTON ROAD AND WESTERHILL ROAD, BISHOPBRIGGS) ( NO WAITING AND NO LOADING AT ANY TIME RESTRICTIONS) ORDER

The Council is promoting a Traffic Regulation Order which would introduce no waiting and no loading at any time restrictions.
Enclosed is a copy of the draft Order, plan and Statement of Reasons, together with a copy of the Notice that is to appear in the Bishopbriggs Herald which is published on 12 February 2020
Should you wish to comment on the proposal you must do so in writing by Monday, 16 March 2020.
Your comments should be sent to Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, Legal Services, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ.
(See attached file: 200211Dalkeith Ave- Wellington Rd – Westerhill Rd Order.pdf)

Regards
Fiona Stirling
Legal Services
12 Strathkelvin Place
Kirkintilloch G66 1TJ“

Given the commercial properties in the vicinity and the tendency of people to leave their cars/vans at or near junctions inconveniencing others, particularly people walking or cycling, this proposal seems very sensible. Unless you out there tell us otherwise, this is one that GoBike will be supporting.

Back in June last year, in Digest 37, Item 3.4 were details of an earlier TRO that we had supported, removing on-road parking from further along Westerhill Road, outside commercial units.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Glasgow, additional South City Way event for Battlefield extension, TODAY, 18 February, 4-6pm, Langside Library, Sinclair Drive

As per our Consultation Extra of 07 February, there is a further consultation event this afternoon for the Queen’s Drive residents who missed all the earlier publicity and meetings. It’s open to all, takes place TODAY, 18 February at Langside Library on Sinclair Drive. Do get along if you can.

2.2 Glasgow, Yorkhill & Kelvingrove Community Council Cycling Village consultation, TOMORROW, 19 February

Do get along to the cycle village consultation on Wed 19 Feb at the Kelvingrove tennis pavilion 5-7.30pm. Get along and have your say, if you live, work, play or cycle in the area.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 North Lanarkshire Council tell us about the new Scottish Transforming Planning Website

3.2 Glasgow, Central District Regeneration Framework, submission and acknowledgement

Here’s the response, submitted on 06 February, written by GoBike committee member, Brenda, to this consultation, featured in previous Digests, most recently, Digest 53, Item 1.6. In a nutshell, the framework is good but needs sharpening up if we are to transform our city centre.

Here’s the acknowledgement, received later that day:

“Hi Tricia,
Thanks very much for your email and the attached documents. I will include this representation within the wider responses received as part of the Central DRF public consultation exercise.
Please let me know if you require anything further.
Best regards,” etc

3.3 Glasgow, Ardencraig Road, Traffic Calming, submission

This consultation, which was introduced in Digest 52, Item 1.5, closed on 11 February. The proposal, to slow motor traffic down on this straight road past houses and schools, was by using the City Council’s only solution, the installation of speed cushions. We think much more could be done – here’s our letter in response to the proposals.

3.4 Glasgow, Bankfoot Road and Wedderlea Drive, Traffic Calming, submission

The consultation to install traffic calming speed cushions in these two roads was Item 1.6 in Digest 52. GoBike fully supports lower traffic speeds but objects to the standard policy of installing speed cushions in every location. Here’s our response to the consultation.

3.5 Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive, Traffic Calming Submission

Castlemilk Drive forms part of the route from the city centre, past King’s Park and Croftfoot railway stations to the Cathkin Braes Country Park and Mountain Bike Centre. The proposal to install speed cushions to reduce motor traffic speeds in this residential area featured in Digest 52, Item 1.7. A half-hearted attempt was made prior to the 2014 Commonwealth Games to provide a cycle route from the city to the Braes, but a significant part was on the footways etc; it certainly wasn’t a route that children could use. Glasgow has relatively low car ownership and Castlemilk is one of its less affluent suburbs, yet the road is to be maintained as one for cars. Here’s our letter objecting to the standard policy of speed cushions and looking for something more appropriate.

3.6 Glasgow, Mosspark Drive Traffic Calming, submission

The traffic calming proposal for Mosspark Drive featured as Item 1.5 in Digest 53. The standard speed cushion proposal takes no account of the possibilities of blocking through motor traffic, of installing zebra crossings to allow people to cross safely to the park area or to tightening the radius of the turn from Mosspark Boulevard to 90 degrees. Here’s our letter of response.

3.7 Glasgow, Carmunnock Road Service Road, One-Way with no contraflow, submission

The details of this consultation were first given in Digest 52, Item 1.10 but we had previously been invited to comment at Stage One. Our response at that Stage went in on 10 January and we have received no response to the concerns we expressed. In a nutshell, the City Council responded to residents’ concerns about “traffic” on the road by proposing that it be made one-way. There was no mention, as far as we can see, about cycles; are they included in the one-way or not? Are people cycling going to be pushed to use the main road, or not? Here’s the reply we sent in on 10 February, very similar to our response at Stage One.

3.8 Glasgow, South Side Car Club TRO, submission

Details of this TRO were first given in Digest 52, Item 1.9. With the assistance of GoBike member, Brenda, we had responded to the Stage One consultation with this letter, to which we received a fairly general response. We have sharpened up our concerns to objections in this response. The objections are to: charging points/car club spaces on arterial routes such as Paisley Road West, where there should be a cycle lane, on streets with shops at ground floor level and where long-term parking is inappropriate.

Soon after submission, on 12 February, we received this detailed email in response:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF CHRISTINE FRANCIS, HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNICAL SERVICES, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Ms Fort

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (SOUTH SIDE CAR CLUB), ORDER 202_

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order on behalf of Go Bike.
In answer to the points Go Bike have raised:

• The electric charging bays will be free for use only while the vehicle is charging. It is intended to replace current internal combustion engine car club with electric in future and the standard electric charging bays will be converted to car club only as the fleet is updated.
• There is low take up of electric cars at present and as you state this will change in future and it is the Council’s intention to encourage electric use for the environmental benefits. The Council is committed to expanding and encouraging sustainable transport but a balance is required to promote development in line with our policies and aspirations and further details are available at link to EV strategy development info.
• The Council’s intention is for all car club vehicles to be electric in future and the order as presented allows for this growth while providing improved charging facilities for existing electric vehicles.
• Car Club bays on arterial routes have been located to provide suitable locations which can be easily located and accessed for users. Cycle infrastructure is being developed on major routes and the existing infrastructure will be considered and developed when each route is designed. Each route is likely to require a Traffic Regulation Order to implement and the car club and electric charging will be considered an amended as appropriate at this time.
• The Council are providing car club and electric charging to help address the environmental issues facing us. The future of mass charging and faster charging will be considered as development and policies change.
• The locations close to shops will provide potential charging for delivery vehicles and each site has significant residential premises which are an ideal target to encourage residents to change private cars for car club vehicles.
• If space permits consideration will be given to perpendicular parking, the sites currently promoted are not suitable for this measure.

It is unclear from your response if you are supporting or objecting to this order, I will classify it as an objection unless otherwise advised.

Having considered the above, should you wish to withdraw your objection I would be pleased if you would inform me by 6^th March by writing to Group Manager, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or e-mailing SustainableTransport@glasgow.gov.uk.

If you do not wish to withdraw your objection then there is no requirement for you to write to us again.

Your objection will be considered and included within the final report which will inform the decision. Once a decision has been taken in regards to these proposals I shall write to you again and advise of the outcome.

Yours sincerely“

A telephone conversation with the writer of the above email has clarified that Paisley Road West is not yet listed as a candidate for cycle lanes, which is disappointing, but as per the email above, the City Council’s policy on electric cars and charging is clearer. Our comments and objection to parts of the proposals is seen as an objection to the TRO.

3.9 North Lanarkshire, £5 million electric vehicle charging network

The approach from North Lanarkshire seems to be quite different from that of Glasgow. We haven’t been told about any consultation yet, but here’s an email alert issued on 13 February:

“Our Environment and Transportation Committee has backed a project which could see up to £5m investment in Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and electricity network infrastructure across Lanarkshire.

The public use hubs will be created in car parks owned and operated by both North and South Lanarkshire Councils, in a bid to meet ambitious plans by the Scottish Government to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032.

Members of the committee were told that preparatory work with Transport Scotland and SP Energy Networks is underway, as part of Project PACE, which aims to determine optimum EV charge point locations and the electricity network infrastructure required to support them.

Locations being considered align with areas of potential demand, taking into account existing electricity infrastructure location and capacity, available land and the need to provide public access.

Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of the Environment and Transportation Committee, welcomed the decision to support the project, saying: “This is an innovative, ambitious plan for Lanarkshire that will see a real increase in the electric vehicle charging infrastructure on the ChargePlace Scotland network in North Lanarkshire, by the end of this year.

“The Scottish Government targets aim to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, and these plans are designed to pave the way for that to become a reality. The new network will contribute to reducing air pollution and providing access to clean energy for our residents, and the project fits with this council’s ambition to be the place to live, learn, work, invest and visit.”

The Strategic Partnership between the Scottish Government, including Transport Scotland, SP Energy Networks and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks was announced by the First Minister on 29 August 2019.

Since the launch of the partnership, SP Energy Networks and Transport Scotland have established Project PACE with North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council, as beneficiaries to trial opportunities to improve the delivery and co-ordination of investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

It’s looking like on-street (and, of more concern, with the actual charging points being on footways) in Glasgow and in public car parks in North and South Lanarkshire.

3.10 Glasgow, Byres Road Traffic Management & Parking (for cycle lanes),submission

We have now responded to Glasgow City Council’s proposals for changes on Byres Road to allow construction of a cycle lane on each side with this letter, written by GoBike members Iona and Thomas. Detailed design details for the cycle lanes were not part of the TRO but you will see that we have concerns about the continuity and thus priority, of the cycling, and walking, routes at side road junctions. It is critical that ALL traffic on Byres Road has priority over traffic entering, or leaving, a side road.

Full details of the TRO were given in Digest 52, Item 1.11

3.11 Glasgow, Byres Road 20mph TRO, submission

Here’s part of the Byres Road proposals that we fully support! Again, full details of the proposed reduction in speed limit to 20mph were given in Digest 52, Item 1.12 and here’s our letter of support, written by GoBike members Thomas and Iona.

3.12 Glasgow, Hillhead Traffic Management and Parking Controls TRO, submission

We have submitted this letter, again written by Iona and Thomas, in general support of moving parked vehicles from Byres Road into vacant spaces in the surrounding streets, but we do have 2 concerns:

1. Why are parking charges so low in Glasgow? Why is it cheaper to park a car on a street for an hour than it is to get a return ticket for the bus or subway?
2. Why should households be given the option of storing not one, but two, private cars on the public street?

Full details of the proposals were given in Digest 52, Item 1.13

3.13 East Dunbartonshire, Bearsden Town Centre, Waiting & Loading Restrictions confirmed.

Here’s the email confirming this order that we received on 10 February.

“The above-mentioned Traffic Regulation Orders has now been made and will become effective on Monday, 13 April 2020. Enclosed are copies of the Order and plan, together with copy of the Notice that is to appear in the edition of the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald which is published on 14 February 2020.”

Here are the details that were enclosed with the email. GoBike supported this proposal and details were given in Digest

3.14 Glasgow, Celtic Park & Emirates Arena, Event Day Emergency Routes and Parking Zone, Order 20__, Public Hearing 10 March

In 2018 consultation was issued on Event Day Emergency Routes and Parking, which GoBike supported with this letter. We last reported on this in Digest 25 in January 2019 after we were told there was to be a hearing. It seemed clear then that supporters had been mobilised to object to the proposals, although there are valid concerns about the lack or inadequacy of public transport to the football stadium and the arena and parking moving to areas further away from the stadium.
On 07 February, we received this extremely long email from the City Council:

“THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL (CELTIC PARK AND EMIRATES ARENA) (EVENT DAY EMERGENCY ROUTES AND PARKING ZONE) ORDER 20__

PUBLIC HEARING

We refer to the above proposed order, the representation you have made about the proposed order, and the letter dated 20 December 2018 which was sent to you from the Director of Operations, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability in this regard.

Glasgow City Council has now appointed Ms Sinéad Lynch and Mr Lance R Guilford, reporters from the Scottish Government, to conduct a public hearing and submit a report to the council. The council has also established a dedicated Programme Officer Team to assist with the organisation of the hearing.

Participation in the hearing

The reporters have decided that since it is now over a year since the above letter was sent to you, we should write again in order to confirm those who wish to participate in the hearing. We are providing more information to help you decide.

If you decide not to participate in the hearing, your representation will be considered on the basis of your original written submission, although you may submit a further written submission in support of your representation within the next 28 days if you wish to do so. It is also important to note that all representations proceeding by written submission will have the same weight as those examined at the hearing.

Therefore, whether or not you responded to the above letter, please advise us within the next 14 days if you wish to participate in the hearing.

Pre-hearing meeting

Given the complex nature of this order and the significant number of representations that have been made, the reporters have decided that a pre-hearing meeting for hearing participants is necessary. This meeting will be held in public and will discuss the procedures relating to the hearing. However, there will be no discussion about the merits or otherwise of the order at this meeting.

The meeting will take place as follows:

7pm on Tuesday 10^th March 2020 in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Exhibition Hall), 19 Killermont Street, Glasgow, G2 3NX

The reporters hope that most hearing participants will attend the pre-hearing meeting, in order to ensure as far as possible that the arrangements for the hearing take everyone’s interest into account.

We enclose an agenda, together with an explanatory note which provides detailed information about the matters to be discussed. Please read this information to help you prepare for the meeting.

However, the reporters recognise that some people may have prior engagements or other reasons why they cannot attend the pre-hearing meeting, and being unable to attend the pre-hearing meeting does not preclude participation in the hearing. It is suggested that people who cannot attend the meeting may wish to contact another person (or organisation) who will be attending in order to represent their interests. There is more on this contained in the explanatory note attached to the agenda.

In any event, anyone who cannot attend the meeting may comment on the matters contained in theagenda before the date of the pre-hearing meeting. Furthermore, a note of matters agreed at the pre-hearing meeting will be uploaded to the website after the meeting, and comments on what is contained in the note of matters may be made within 14 days of that note being uploaded to the web. All such comments will be taken into account in making the arrangements for the hearing. Please advise us within the next 14 days if you wish to attend the pre-hearing meeting in addition to participating in the hearing. Please also inform us if you intend to be represented (providing the details of any such representation) and advise whether any special access or other arrangements are required to enable attendance at the meeting.if you wish to attend the pre-hearing meeting in addition to participating in the hearing. Please also inform us if you intend to be represented (providing the details of any such representation) and advise whether any special access or other arrangements are required to enable attendance at the meeting.

Owing to the limited capacity within the venue (200 places) an entrance ticket will be provided to those who have made representations about the order and wish to attend the pre-hearing meeting.

You can register for a ticket using the following link:-https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celtic-park-and-emirates-arena-traffic-regulation-order-pre-hearing-meeting-tickets-90947196513Tickets will be available to download from 4pm On Friday 7^th February 2020

In the event that there is any difficulty relating to the capacity of the venue and the number of people who wish to attend, you will be advised of any action being taken before the date of the meeting.

All representations will be in the public domain

Please note that your representation, if maintained, will not be treated as confidential, and that it will be published unless you provide details of exceptional circumstances as to why you consider that the substance of your representation should not be in the public domain. Exceptional circumstances might apply where publication of the substance of the representation might be considered to breach the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) because it cannot be sufficiently separated from identifying personal information which should not be in the public domain.

Alternatively, there might be sensitive information (for example on mental or physical health), the publication of which might be considered to breach the right to privacy under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In either case you would be advised whether or not such details are sufficient to justify the further redaction of certain information or non-publication of the representation.

However, please note that as a matter of course under GDPR all identifying personal information will be redacted from the representations before they are placed in the public domain. This will include all names, postal addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers, job descriptions and details of business premises.

If we have not heard from you within the next 14 days on this matter, we will assume that you are content that your representation should be in the public domain.

Following this period, the maintained representations (unless excepted under the terms stated above) and related documents will be published on the council’s website. There will also be a brief summary of the matters raised in the representations, and an associated schedule which separates them into basic categories including the type and whether it is an objection or letter of support. This may assist you in preparing for the meeting, particularly with respect to the possible grouping of parties with a similar interest, and which is referred to in more detail in the explanatory note attached to the agenda.

Webcasting

We would advise that the pre-hearing meeting will be recorded and webcast, and therefore in the event that you are unable to attend the meeting, the proceedings may be observed (after the meeting) online at:

https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/20480/Celtic-ParkEmirates-Arena

Webcasting is part of a strategy to enhance public access to this process, and will make it easier for individuals to keep up to date with proceedings.

If you require any further information, please contact the programme officer team at the below telephone number or email address.

Yours faithfully,
Programme Officer Team
Email:  TROCelticParkandEmiratesArena@glasgow.gov.uk
Phone: 0141 287 5820 (Please note this phone line is a messaging service only“

Thus there is a massive expense because people wish to leave their cars near the ground on match days, because other people do not want these cars to move to outside their house, because the second loop of the Subway, mooted in 2007, has never been built and we have not yet got the political and social climate in which people will cycle or walk to such events.

GoBike will not be attending the hearing, although we understand our sister group, Get Glasgow Moving, will be there to push the public transport case, but we will confirm our support for the parking restrictions.

3.15 Glasgow, Ibrox Stadium, Event Day Emergency Routes and Parking Zone, Order 20__, Public Hearing 11 March

On the same day, 07 February and just a few minutes later a very similar, almost identical email arrived for Event Day Emergency Routes and Parking around Ibrox Stadium. Although there is a Subway station near the stadium, there are concerns here about the lack of public transport and private car parking being moved further away from the stadium. That said, there is no doubt the football club has mobilised its supporters to object. Here’s the letter of support for the proposals that GoBike submitted in May 2018.

Apologies to anyone who hoped to see the Rangers email in full here, but if you do wish to have a copy either contact the club or email consultations@gobike.org and a copy will be sent to you. The hearing is the day after the Celtic hearing and the details are the same.

GoBike won’t be attending either this or the Parkhead hearing but will confirm our support for parking restrictions on the grounds that all on-street car parking reduces the road space available for cycling and makes it more difficult for people walking to cross the road.

3.16 Glasgow University Campus Development February update

Multiplex, who are carrying out the construction work at Glasgow University, have provided us with details of their website and the link to their February Newsletter

3.17 Glasgow, Good News with some Progress on Contraflow Cycling

For our final item we have some good news. We have objected time and time again to Glasgow City Council’s policy of reducing the city’s residential streets from 2-way to 1-way to allow for more residential parking, with no exemption for cycling. The City Council’s design guide, Cycling by Design, quotes, at Section 5.1.5, page “The default position should be to permit two-way cycling on one-way streets.” The Council’s policy of ignoring, or finding an excuse not to apply, this default has caused great inconvenience to people trying to cycle in Dowanhill, Partick and elsewhere, as well as seeming contrary to everything the City Council says in terms of active travel, reducing car use etc. When Ali, Brenda and Tricia met with City Council staff on 12 December, this issue was raised and on 10 February this email arrived:

“I can advise that, following the meeting you attended in December, I have taken a look at the literature you referenced and linked on the GoBike webpage.   I have now drafted a specific appendix (attached) to be added to the Council’s procedures and guidance when promoting Traffic Regulation Orders and Traffic Calming Schemes. This ensures officers take specific consideration of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport provision. This should be distributed to all officers by the end of the month.   In regards to contra-flow cycling specifically, I agree that this should be considered where it can be done safely. I understand that within the Sustrans Design Manual Handbook for cycle-friendly design it states that 3.3m can accommodate contra-flow cycling, however it is our intention that a minimum free road width should be 3.5m before any consideration can take place (this is consistent with Edinburgh’s Street Design Guidance).   In addition to the above, each situation should be assessed on its own merits and further consideration will be given where vehicles are parked on both sides of the road for short and long lengths, taking into account the gradient of the road and ensuring there is a consistency when proposing changes over a wider area.   I trust this has provided further clarification on the Council’s position and can assure you that the current parking control scheme proposals are being revised to investigate what addition measures can be included to assist cyclists.”

This has yet to be tested but we are told that we will see a difference in approach in forthcoming schemes. Let’s hope so!

__________________________________________

That was a mixed bag – let’s see what the post brings in over the next 2 weeks.

_____________________________________________________________________