Eighteen organisations will receive grants of between £20,000 and £50,000 to deliver a broad range of schemes following successful bids to the council’s LEZ Community Support Fund.

Projects include improvements to children’s play areas, free bike provision, establishing food growing spaces and enhancements to greenspaces.

Other initiatives involve peatland restoration, installing solar panels, air quality education projects, urban rewilding, and wildflower meadow planting.

Cllr Angus Millar Convener for Transport and Climate said that with funding now secured, the groups can deliver a wide range of local initiatives – all focused on improving Glasgow’s environment.

He added: “With £732,000 available to support a broad range of local environmental projects this year, the LEZ Community Support Fund will make a real difference.

“Organisations such as volunteer groups, community councils, housing associations, and those advocating for a cleaner, greener and healthier environment have all secured vital funding.

“Combined with £250,000 already committed to tree planting and greening activities, almost £1million of LEZ income will be invested into Glasgow, meaning we can deliver both cleaner air and greener streets in the city centre and beyond.”

Source: Glasgow City Council website

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow, North Kelvin and North Woodside, Traffic Management and Parking Controls, closes 27 March
2. Glasgow, Low Emission Zone Phase 2, online consultation, closes 29 March
3. Scottish Government – Fourth National Planning Framework, closes 31 March
4. **NEW** Glasgow, George Square, Motor Traffic Restrictions, Experimental TRO, closes 03 April
5. Glasgow, Hutchesontown (New Gorbals) Parking Controls, closes 13 April

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. North Lanarkshire, Proposed New Road, Airdrie, 17, 19 and 21 March
2. South Lanarkshire, Active Travel workshops in Carluke TODAY, 17 March 10 – 12, Lanark, TODAY, 17 March 2-4pm and Hamilton 18 March, 10 – 12

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. East Dunbartonshire, Dalkeith Avenue, Wellington Road and Westerhill Road, Bishopbriggs, No Waiting and No Loading at any time, GoBike submission
2. East Dunbartonshire, Townhead, Kirkintilloch, No Waiting at any time restrictions, GoBike submission
3. Glasgow, Low Emission Zone consultation event, 10 March

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

1.1 Glasgow, North Kelvin and North Woodside, Traffic Management and Parking Controls, closes 27 March

This consultation featured as Item 1.5 in Digest 55 and, while GoBike is disappointed that contraflow cycling (see our recent blog for the facts on contraflow cycling) is not to be introduced on the new one-way streets, the City Council is aiming to open up access to the filters such as that shown above on Doune Gardens.
This is one of the sites that GoBike members Tricia Fort and Alasdair Macdonald visited with local City Councillor, Jane Morgan, on our very first Councillor Tour on 17 September 2017 and we struggled to make our way round the area.

If you live, work or cycle in the area do please support this plans, even if you share our disappointment about the lack of contraflow cycling. One of our members who has been reading the local “Nextdoor” group website tells us that some residents are getting uppity because there is not going to be one on-street parking space per private car. Ah bless, but it does mean that bikes and emergency vehicles might be able to get through.

1.2 Glasgow, Low Emission Zone Phase 2, online consultation, closes 29 March

This online consultation featured for the first time in Digest 55, Item 1.6. It’s a relatively simple consultation, so do please complete it. There are questions such as “Should the High Street and the Broomielaw, ie the streets forming the edge of the city centre be included?” and others, which are critical to the LEZ being a success.

Here’s the link to the relevant details and the consultation on the City Council website.

Item 3.3 below gives a brief report from the LEZ consultation event on 10 March.

1.3 Scottish Government – Fourth National Planning Framework, closes 31 March

This critical consultation has been in recent digests, most recently as Item 1.7 in Digest 55 Item 1.7. Here’s the link to all the information. If anyone out there is clued up on Planning, has views on this consultation or has been/is going to any of the consultation event, could you please contribute to GoBike’s response? Please email any views to consultations@gobike.org Thanks!

1.4 **NEW* Glasgow, George Square, Motor Traffic Restrictions, Experimental TRO, closes 03 April

Glasgow City Council proposes to close the east side (ie directly outside City Chambers) and the west side (part of Queen Street) to motor traffic for the hours 7am to 7pm from this summer, with this Experimental TRO that we were sent on 05 March:

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

Dear Sir/Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (GEORGE SQUARE) EXPERIMENTAL ORDER 202_

Further to my consultation email of 7^th February regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order, and in accordance with statutory procedures, I now enclose a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons and detailed report. The following amendments have been made, following the initial consultation feedback:

Cochrane Street bus lane reduced.
Montrose Street one way operation removed.
Restrictions added on West Nile Street.

Details of the proposals will also be available on the Glasgow City Council website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro.

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Group Manager, Technical Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or email SustainableTransport@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 3^rd April 2020.

Yours faithfully” etc

The documents referred to are: Press Notice of the proposed Order, relevant Map, Statement of Reasons and detailed Report

An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order may be brought in quicker than a standard TRO but lasts for only 18 months. This gives time for a full TRO to be developed but also allows for changes to be made based on experience.

GoBike was consulted at the initial stage of this consultation and objected to a proposal to make Montrose Street between Ingram Street and Cochrane Street one way southbound with no exemption for cycles (see our recent blog for the facts on contraflow cycling) . We are also told that there is an objection from a bus company too, so that has been removed. The bus lane on Cochrane Street has been reduced to allow loading to remain and changes have been made on West Nile Street to allow buses to negotiate that street rather than the west side of George Square.

GoBike also suggested that the Square should remain free of private motor vehicles until after the last train leaves Queen Street Station, rather than 7pm, to allow better use of the Square in the evenings, but this was rejected.

The proposals are definitely moving in the right direction to improve the city centre, so please do support them.

1.5 Glasgow, Hutchesontown (New Gorbals) Parking Controls, preliminary view finding, closes 13 April

We mentioned this briefly in Digest 55, Item 1.8 and we are now aware that this is the very initial stage of the process, where the City Council is looking for views as to what should be done to curb the commuter parking in this area. All the local residents have been sent information and the plans may be viewed at the Gorbals Library. It is expected that the proposals will move to the formal Traffic Regulation Order phase later this year.

The details are given here on the City Council’s website and here are the documents referred to: Preliminary Plan, FAQs, Feedback Form and TRO Privacy Statement.

If you live, work, visit or travel through this area, if you use the large supermarket here or are registered at the Gorbals Medical Centre, or have children at the school or nursery, you will be aware how many cars there parked here during the day. One GoBike member has told us that when the new Medical Centre opened last year it was necessary to employ a car park warden to stop commuter parking there!

This is the first parking scheme where contraflow cycling of any significance is proposed, so we are delighted to see that. Note that other streets where there is currently parking down the centre of the street are shown with a one-way lane either side of the parking, with no exemption for cycling, ie they are basically a two-way street with parking down the centre. If you have any concerns about contraflow cycling do read our recent blog to find out the facts.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 North Lanarkshire, Proposed New Road, Airdrie, 17 (TODAY), 19 and 21 March

Here’s the information we received from North Lanarkshire Council on 08 March:

“Find out more about planned Airdrie road

Residents and businesses are being invited to find out more about an outline plan for a new link road, east of Airdrie.

We are holding three information events to explain the work carried out to date to consider the viability of building the road, and to listen to feedback on the projected outcomes for local communities.|

The events take place on

• Tuesday 17 March, 1.00pm to 7.00pm at Stanrigg Memorial Centre, Greengairs Road, Greengairs ML6 7QT
• Thursday 19 March, 2.00pm to 7.00pm at Chapelhall Library, 2 Honeywell Crescent, Chapelhall ML6 8XW
• Saturday 21 March, 10.00am to 4.00pm at Airdrie Library, Wellwynd, Airdrie ML6 0AG.

Council officers will be available to talk through the project and answer questions.

“The East Airdrie Link Road has been proposed for a number of years but we have updated and reviewed all the data and traffic assessments, to ensure it remains a viable project and the best option for the area,” said Councillor Allan Graham, Convener of the Enterprise and Growth Committee.

“It would create a direct north south route from the M8 to the A73, improving traffic flow across the area. Our assessments indicate that the road has the potential to reduce journey times across North Lanarkshire, improve connections between residential areas and town centres, together with employment and education opportunities, and facilitate improvements to local bus transport.

“Although the project is still at an early stage, we want to explain the process we have gone through to date and what will happen next, giving residents and businesses an opportunity to tell us the outcomes and benefits they would like to see from the project.”

The single carriageway link road would be part of the council’s wider Pan-Lanarkshire orbital transport corridor between the M8 and Cumbernauld, supported by investment from the Glasgow City Region City Deal.””

So presumably news of the Climate Emergency hasn’t yet reached North Lanarkshire? Don’t they know that building more roads encourages people to use them, so just as Transport Scotland was surprised that traffic over the Forth increased when the Queensferry Crossing was opened, a new road around Airdrie will increase motor traffic there.
Now building cycle lanes, on the other hand, will get more people out on bikes, reduce motor traffic etc, etc. When will they learn?

Do get along to one or more of the events if you can.

2.2 South Lanarkshire, Active Travel workshops in Carluke TODAY, 17 March 10 – 12, Lanark, TODAY, 17 March 2-4pm and Hamilton 18 March, 10 – 12

News from GoBike member, Derek, who has received email information from South Lanarkshire Council:

There are to be 3 Active Travel Workshops, with this message from the Council: “We want to hear from as many people as possible who live, work or travel in and around Carluke / Lanark / Hamilton about current barriers to walking, cycling and wheeling, and ideas to enable more active travel in Carluke / Lanark / Hamilton”
It might well be that, apart from this lack of notice, booking is required for the events but there are, for each town, an online survey and an online map to leave location-specific comments, on barriers or ideas to improve cycling, walking and wheeling.

The Carluke workshop will take place on Tuesday 17th March between 10am and 12pm, Carluke Leisure Centre, Carnwath Road, Carluke, ML8 4EA.

Questionnaire link: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=158350583068
Online PlaceCheck map: http://www.placecheck.info/maps/carluke Both the survey and the map are live and will remain open until 27th March 2020.

The Lanark workshop will take place on Tuesday 17th March between 2pm and 4pm, Lanark Memorial Hall, St Leonard Street, Lanark, ML11 7AB.

Questionnaire survey link: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=158350587241
Online PlaceCheck map: http://www.placecheck.info/maps/lanarkBoth the survey and the map are live and will remain open until 27th March 2020.

The Hamilton workshop will take place on Wednesday 18th March between 10am and 12pm, The Brandon Room, Hamilton Town House, 102 Cadzow Street, Hamilton, ML3 6LB.
Questionnaire survey to collect information about how people travel in the area, and their attitudes toward active travel – link: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=158350585146
Online map to leave location-specific comments, on barriers or ideas to improve cycling, walking and wheeling in Hamilton. The map can be found there: http://www.placecheck.info/maps/hamilton Both the survey and the map are live and will remain open until 27th March 2020. 

So if you live, work or travel in these South Lanarkshire towns do please respond to the survey and online map.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 East Dunbartonshire, Dalkeith Avenue, Wellington Road and Westerhill Road, Bishopbriggs, No Waiting and No Loading at any time, GoBike submission

We first mentioned this in Digest 54, Item 1.4 and here’s our letter of support for moves to restrict parking around the junctions of these streets.

The Highways Code states:

Rule 243
DO NOT stop or park: opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space

It thus appears to be a bureaucratic waste of public money to require a Traffic Regulation Order to enact a ban.

3.2 East Dunbartonshire, Townhead, Kirkintilloch, No Waiting at any time restrictions, GoBike submission

This proposal just missed Digest 54 but featured as Item 1.4 in Digest 55. Here’s our letter of support to remove car parking outside the waste land on the right hand side of the street, where flats are now being built.

And here’s the email response that came in on 16 March, shortly after the submission of these 2 letters to EDC:

“Thank you for replying to the proposed Order which affects Townhead in Kirkintilloch and the proposal which affects lengths of road in the vicinity of Westerhill Road in Bishopbriggs.”

3.3 Glasgow, Low Emission Zone consultation event, 10 March

in Item 1.2 about thee is the link to the online survey for Phase 2 of Glasgow’s LEZ. As we reported in our last Digest, there was also a consultation event on 10 March. Committee member, Calum, attended for GoBike and here is his brief report:

It was pretty sparsely attended, very much dominated by different interest groups despite being a “public consultation”. That makes me feel a little nervous about how it’s likely to be received when enforcement starts.

It started with presentations from a few different City Council officers and Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, with reviews of the different programmes such as Avenues, refreshed strategies that we’re aware of.

There was then a workshop session in which small tables went through a series of questions about how the LEZs should be designed. From what I picked up there was a good appetite for an extensive zone (the exact boundaries are still up for debate) and not caving in to demands for endless exemptions.

One thing I did learn was that the LEZ will be commenced within the meaning of the Transport Act at the end of this year, with the grace period before enforcement running for 2 years for non-residents and another year after that for residents. I’d previously assumed that the widely trailed 2022 date was only when the grace periods would begin, so it was good to hear things are moving a bit faster than I thought.”

Please do respond to the survey!

_______________________________________________

That was surprisingly positive – for the most part, at least!

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. **NEW** GoBike, Glasgow Eco Trust and On Bikes, Walking & Cycling in Glasgow: Give us your views, open
2. Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, commonplace map for comments, closes 09 March
3. East Dunbartonshire, Dalkeith Avenue, Wellington Road and Westerhill Road, Bishopbriggs, No Waiting and No Loading at any time, closes 16 March
4. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Townhead, Kirkintilloch, No Waiting at any time restrictions, closes 16 March
5. **NEW** Glasgow, North Kelvin and North Woodside, Traffic Management and Parking Controls, closes 27 March
6. **NEW** Glasgow, Low Emission Zone Phase 2, online consultation, closes 29 March
7. Scottish Government — Fourth National Planning Framework, closes 31 March
8. **NEW** Glasgow, Hutchesontown (New Gorbals) Parking Controls, closes 13 April

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. Scottish Government — Fourth National Planning Framework, drop-in session and workshop, Glasgow, 17 March

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council Cycling Village consultation event held on 19 February, brief notes
2. ScotRail, future of Cycle Forum uncertain, with completion of contract by Kathryn MacKay, Cycling Officer
3. North Lanarkshire, Local Development Plan update
4. Glasgow, Ardencraig Road Traffic Calming, City Council’s response to our proposals
5. Glasgow, Belmont, confirmation of Traffic Management Order
6. Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive Traffic Calming, City Council’s response to our proposals
7. Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, Garscube Road, work started on 2-way segregated cycle lane
8. Glasgow University, March newsletter from Multiplex
9. North Toryglen Greenspace & Active Travel Project update
10. South Lanarkshire, new cycle lanes!
11. Glasgow, Active Travel Forum
12. Sheriffhall success – what next? Update from Scottish Greens

Section 1: Current Consultations, in date order for responses

1.1 **NEW** Walking & Cycling in Glasgow: Give us your views, open

Yes, GoBike is consulting. Along with Glasgow Eco Trust and On Bikes we are working together to collate information across Glasgow to help improve walking and cycling to create Streets for All, see here for more information and the commonplace map.

If you like what GoBike is doing, with our very limited funds – our only funding comes from our members, unlike most other groups who get public funding – then do please join us. Our minimum annual membership fee is £5 and you can join online here. The more members we have, the stronger our voice.

1.2 Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, commonplace map for comments, closes 09 March

This featured as Item 1.3 in our previous Digest, Digest 54 and here’s the link you need to the most recent update and the commonplace map. Do get your comments in soon!

1.3 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 and the details were given in Item 1.4 of Digest 54. GoBike normally supports the removal of on-street parking, since it generally interferes with clear routes for cycling – unless we are told of good reasons otherwise. So do please let us know if there are reasons for not supporting this!

1.4 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Townhead, Kirkintilloch, No Waiting at any time restrictions, closes 16 March

This proposal, which came in on 18 February, just too late for Digest 54, is to remove parking in the section of Townhead where the van is. The wasteland now has flats built on it.
Here’s the email we received from East Dunbartonshire Council:

“Dear Sir/Madam,

PROPOSED: THE EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL (TOWNHEAD, KIRKINTILLOCH) (NO WAITING AT ANY TIME RESTRICTIONS) ORDER

The Council is promoting a Traffic Regulation Order which would introduce no waiting at any time restrictions on a section of Townhead, Kirkintilloch. 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 Kirkintilloch Herald which is published on 19 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: 200218 Townhead proposed Order & documentations.pdf)

Yours faithfully
Fiona Stirling, Legal Services, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ“

GoBike will be supporting this proposal.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow, North Kelvin and North Woodside, Traffic Management and Parking Controls, closes 27 March

Last November, GoBike responded to the Stage One consultation for this proposal and we highlighted 3 concerns:

• Removal of 2-way cycling. Streets are proposed to be 1-way with no exemption for cycling. Contraflow cycling is the default on 1-way streets in Cycling by Design and there is no evidence of it being unsafe.
• The lack of cycle parking. We suggested cycle shelters for residents and cycle stands for visitors to the area.
• Angled or perpendicular to the kerb parking. If this type of parking is to be allowed then common sense and guidance suggests that drivers reverse in to their parking place. Thus they will drive forward when leaving, rather than reversing into oncoming traffic.

Have our concerns been included in the public consultation?

Here’s the email that we received on 28 February:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF KEVIN HAMILTON, HEAD OF ROADS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir / Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (NORTH KELVIN AND NORTH WOODSIDE), (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND PARKING CONTROLS), ORDER 202_

Further to my consultation email of 31 October 2019 regarding the above named Traffic Regulation Order, and in accordance with the statutory procedures, I now enclose a copy for the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map, statement of reasons, detailed report and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Details of the proposals will also be available on the Glasgow City Council website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/saferparking.

Please note the following modifications have been made since the consultation phase:

• The inclusion of 8 more electric vehicle recharging bays; 1 on Fergus Drive, 4 on Hopehill Road, 1 on Hotspur Street, 1 on Raeberry Street and 1 on Shakespeare Street to promote more sustainable vehicles.
• Removal of 6 No. shared use parking spaces on Hopehill Road to accommodate a project to re-design the junction of Hopehill Road with Maryhill Road.
• The inclusion of the following roads which were missed from the previous list of affected roads due to an administrative error; Belmont Street, Clouston Lane, Kelvinside Grove, Lothian Lane, Malloch Street, Un-named Road (north of the west section of Henderson Street) and Yarrow Gardens Lane.

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Kevin Hamilton, Head of Roads, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or by email to NorthKelvinAndNorthWoodside@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 27 March 2020.

Yours faithfully” etc

The documents referred to in the email are here: press notice of the proposed Order, relevant map A (see below – the link here is to the correct, updated version of this drawing), relevant map B, relevant map C, statement of reasons, detailed report and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

A promising extract from the documentation that local resident and GoBike member, Alasdair, has noticed is:
“Cycling permeability:
To assist with cycling throughout the area, a ‘no entry except pedal cycles’ restriction is proposed at the junction of Jardine Street with Garriochmill Road. In addition to this, the physical features on Clouston Street, Doune Gardens, Dunard Street, Hathaway Street, Hopehill Road, Hotspur Street, Kelvin Drive, North Woodside Road, Striven Gardens and Wilton Street to prevent vehicular access will also be assessed and upgraded where necessary to better facilitate cyclist permeability.”

We think this means that measures will be taken to prevent car parking where there are already filters across streets!

A query on the drawings was raised by phone with the Assistant Group Manager, Traffic and Road Safety in the afternoon of 03 March and 2 hours later this reply was received:

“Further to your telephone conversation with AB, Assistant Group Manager, Traffic and Road Safety, he has advised of a discrepancy regarding the “No entry except cycles” signage in the drawing 001 for the proposed North Kelvin and North Woodside parking control scheme. This has now been rectified and the online drawings available have been updated to show this.

I note your request for the location of proposed “Prohibition of driving, except pedal cycles” restrictions and can disclose that they are at the following locations (all areas where there is a physical barrier preventing vehicles from driving on the carriageway):-

Avenuepark Street

Clouston Street

Doune Quadrant

Hathaway Street

Kelvin Drive

Striven Gardens

The prohibition of driving except cycles on Shakespeare Street (northwards) and Maryhill Road onto Trossachs Street will remain in place.

Pedal cycles will also be permitted to travel in both directions through the Bus Gate on Hotspur Street and through the Fire Path on the north carriageway of Wilton Street.

As previously discussed there are no plans at this time to include contraflow cycling within the one way streets in this area. “

So there we are, better than it could be but it is still disconcerting that the City Council is ignoring the evidence on contraflow cycling.

1.6 **NEW** Glasgow, Low Emission Zone Phase 2, online consultation, closes 29 March

Here’s the email that we received on 25 February:

“Good Afternoon

Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was introduced in 2018 to reduce air pollution from road traffic and to protect public health.

Our LEZ affects local service buses only at present, however its second phase, which is expected to be enforced from 31 December 2022, will apply to all vehicles driving into the city centre zone, including private cars.

LEZ Public Consultation

To inform how Glasgow City Council should implement the second phase of our LEZ, we are seeking views through consultation on key local aspects; including its boundary, enforcement dates and temporary exemptions – as well as how it might affect your future transport choices. The online consultation is open until 29 March 2020 and can be accessed at this link.

LEZ Stakeholder Workshop

To complement the online consultation, we are holding a Stakeholder Workshop on Tuesday 10 March 2020 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and we would be delighted if you would attend.

Taking part in this Consultation Workshop will give you the chance to discuss and share your opinions on Glasgow’s LEZ.  There will also be the opportunity to hear from council air quality officers as well as Transport Scotland and Cllr Anna Richardson, Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction.

Registration is required to attend the Consultation Workshop as spaces are limited. Should you or a colleague be able to attend, please reserve your place (link removed by GoBike)

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Many thanks.

Sustainable Glasgow
Neighbourhoods & Sustainability
Glasgow City Council“

One of GoBike’s committee members will be attending and we will have feedback in Digest 56 in 2 weeks, but do remember to complete the survey on the council website. It’s an easy one to do, but concerning that they propose exemptions! There’s always a get-out for the bad guy! So please do the survey and let’s get the air in Glasgow cleaner.

1.7 Scottish Government — Fourth National Planning Framework, closes 31 March

We mentioned the drop-in sessions and workshops for this consultation back in Digest 53, Item 2.1. There’s a drop-in session and workshop in Glasgow on 17 March, see this link for details of this and other events round Scotland.

The same link gives details of just how important this consultation is and GoBike member Sebastian says ” The NPF4 will be a hugely important Government plan for Scotland up to 2050 – it decides national investment, development and infrastructure plans for the future. They have said they will use is to take forward the transport projects needed for the future (from STPR2) – so a big opportunity to re-state what infrastructure we think is needed for cycling and active travel. NPF3 in 2014 included the National Cycling and Walking Network so NPF4 must do much more.“

We were also told about this by our friends in Transform Scotland; see this link to their website.

Do we have a volunteer to write GoBike’s response?

1.8 **NEW** Glasgow, Hutchesontown (New Gorbals) Parking Controls, closes 13 April

GoBike committee member, Thomas alerted us to this consultation, which we need to study. There are moves to prevent commuter parking, but a quick glance at the drawings shows a key for “proposed one / two way operation except pedal cycles”, which looks promising.

If you live or work in this area, or cycle through, do please have a look on the City Council’s website and let us know, at consultations@gobike.org the good and any bad points. We’ll have more information for you in Digest 56 or 57.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 Scottish Government — Fourth National Planning Framework, drop-in session and workshop, Glasgow, 17 March

See Item 1.7 above and this link for details of the drop-in session and workshop to be held at the Women’s Library in Bridgeton on 17 March.

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

3.1 Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council Cycling Village consultation event held on 19 February, brief notes

Brief notes from GoBike committee member, Brenda, who attended the event on 19 February (advertised in Item 1.2 in Digest 54)

• Centred on Argyle Street from PC World to a bit past the Kelvinhaugh Street junction.
• Current plans appear to include:
• Traffic lights at Argyle Street /Kelvinhaugh Street /Derby Street junction
• Derby Street and Kelvingrove Street to be one-way (opposite directions) between (at least) Sauchiehall Street and Argyle Street
• Bi-directional cycleways in Kelvinhaugh Street and Derby Street (and presumably Kelvingrove Street )
• Possibility of removing parking from the south side of Argyle Street and having charging points for electric mobility scooters / wheelchairs / e-bikes

Overall, it does look as if things have moved on quite a bit since some time ago when we were shown plans of cycle lanes behind Kelvinhall but it does look as if improvements for people walking and cycling are at a fairly developed stage of planning.

The Community Council in this area is particularly active in its attempts to improve life for its residents. It’s a shame we don’t have active Community Councils right across the city.

3.2 ScotRail, future of Cycle Forum uncertain, with completion of contract by Kathryn MacKay, Cycling Officer

GoBike has attended the ScotRail Cycle Forum over the years but here is some perturbing news, with this email that we received on 18 February:

“Dear Cycle Forum Member.

I write to advise you that Kathryn’s contract as Cycling Manager with ScotRail will come to an end at the end of this month.

In the short term, I would ask that all enquiries regarding cycling activities be directed towards my colleague (name and contact details removed by GoBike).

In the longer term, a review of our resource allocation is taking place in respect of priorities for the remaining two years of the franchise, and the key objectives of the recently published National Transport Strategy 2.

During her time with ScotRail, Kathryn has made a significant contribution to the development of our cycling programme and has overseen a number of successful pieces of work. It has been a pleasure working with her and I am sure you will join me in wishing her all the best for the future.

I will be sending out a note to the wider stakeholders group later today but wanted you to know first.

Regards

James
James Ledgerwood
Head of Economic Development & Communities
ScotRail“

Kathryn oversaw the introduction of the new 385 Class trains on the Edinburgh – Glasgow service and it is no doubt down to her that, while not perfect, we have as much bike carriage as we have on our trains. Let’s hope they take on a new Cycling Officer.

3.3 North Lanarkshire, Local Development Plan update

Here’s the email that we received on 21 February from North Lanarkshire Council:

“Dear Sir/Madam,

NORTH LANARKSHIRE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN UPDATE

Our modified proposed Local Development Plan went out to consultation last year.

We have since been reviewing the comments provided and the Planning Committee will be considering our responses at its meeting on 27 February 2020.

The relevant documents can be viewed at: www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/planningdocuments

Should you wish further information please contact us at Yourplan@northlan.gov.uk or phone 01236 632622 for assistance.

Strategy and Policy Team
North Lanarkshire Council
Enterprise and Communities
Fleming House
2 Tryst Road
Cumbernauld
G67 1JW
Telephone Number: 01236 632646

3.4 Glasgow, Ardencraig Road Traffic Calming, City Council’s response to our proposals

In Digest 54, Item 3.3, we published our submission for the proposal to install speed cushions on Ardencraig Road. On 24 February we received the following response, which continues Glasgow’s love affair with speed cushions:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF KEVIN HAMILTON, HEAD OF ROADS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your attached enquiry.

Whilst I appreciate your concerns regarding the installation of speed cushions on Ardencraig Road, I can advise that this section is focused on reducing injury accidents throughout the city. The council has limited funding and resources available to implement traffic calming schemes and in order to make sure these resources are directed at the locations with the greatest potential for casualty reduction, a site risk assessment is undertaken for each request. This process assesses the location against criteria including the history of injury accidents, measured vehicle speeds and the presence of any local amenities such as being close to a nearby school or nursery. Given the presence of Miller Primary School and the results of a recent speed survey carried out on this section of Ardencraig Road, this location met the criteria for the introduction of traffic calming measures.

With respect to your comments regarding a default speed limit of 20mph in Glasgow, I can advise the Council are currently seeking to implement mandatory 20mph city-wide speed limit restrictions on appropriate roads. It should be noted however that not all within Glasgow roads will be appropriate for the lower limit.

I can further advise that whilst the principles of Designing Streets should be applied on existing roads where practical, this would be subject to re-design and would involve considerable costs to the Council. Designing Streets is expected to be used predominantly for the design, construction, adoption and maintenance of new streets.

Finally, you may be aware that the Council and are currently running a pilot project known as School Car Free Zones. The project is running for an initial trial period of 18 months across 6 selected schools where it is known that traffic related issues at the beginning and end of the school day already occur. If the trial proves successful, it is anticipated that this project will be extended to include additional schools in appropriate locations across the city. Schools have been advised to contact the Council should they wish to be included within any future phase of the School Car Free Zone project.

I trust that the foregoing is of assistance, however, should you require further information, please contact (name and phone number removed by GoBike).”

3.5 Glasgow, Belmont, confirmation of Traffic Management Order

In Digest 50, Item 3.1 we supported the move to prohibit commuter parking in this area and on 25 February we received this confirmation that the Order was approved:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF KEVIN  HAMILTON, HEAD OF ROADS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Sir/Madam

THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (BELMONT), (TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2005 (VARIATION NO.2) ORDER 2020

I am writing to notify you that the above named Traffic Regulation Order was made on 18 February 2020 to improve the safety and the actual and perceived security of travelling within the City by reducing accidents and enhancing the personal security of all users of the transport network.

This Order will:

• Prevent commuters parking all day, giving residents priority over these commuters.
• Reduce the availability of long term free parking to discourage people from using their private car to commute to work and thereby encouraging them to use other methods of travel such as public transport, walking and cycling. This can reduce congestion and pollution.

An advert will be placed in the Evening Times on 26 February 2020 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.

All those who objected to or supported the proposals will now be written to again and advised of the decision.

Please find attached a copy of the plans for your information.

Should you require any further information on the above named Order please contact my assistant (name and phone number removed by GoBike).

Yours sincerely,” etc

The plan attached to the email shows just how much resident parking there is in this area – quite a bit.

A further email on 26 February included this information :

“I refer to your support of the above named Traffic Regulation Order and can advise that your support was reported and considered. The Council have decided under its scheme of delegated functions to proceed with the proposal as advertised.

The Order was made on 18^th February 2020 and an advert was placed in the Evening Times on 26^th February 2020 stating that the Traffic Regulation Order has been made.“

3.6 Glasgow, Castlemilk Drive Traffic Calming, City Council’s response to our proposals

In Digest 54, Item 3.5, we published our response to the proposals for the installation of traffic calming measures, ie speed cushions, on Castlemilk Drive. Here’s the City Council’s rebuttal of our alternative proposals, received on 26 February:

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF KEVIN HAMILTON, HEAD OF ROADS, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your attached enquiry.

Whilst I appreciate your concerns regarding the installation of speed cushions on Castlemilk Drive, I can advise that this section is focused on reducing injury accidents throughout the city. The council has limited funding and resources available to implement traffic calming schemes and in order to make sure these resources are directed at the locations with the greatest potential for casualty reduction, a site risk assessment is undertaken for each request. This process assesses the location against criteria including the history of injury accidents, measured vehicle speeds and the presence of any local amenities such as being close to a nearby school or nursery. Given the results of a recent speed survey carried out on this section of Castlemilk Drive, analysis of the Police Scotland injury accident database and the presence of the nearby primary school, this location met the criteria for the introduction of traffic calming measures.

With respect to your comments regarding a default speed limit of 20mph in Glasgow, I can advise the Council are currently seeking to implement mandatory 20mph city-wide speed limit restrictions on appropriate roads. It should be noted however that not all roads within Glasgow will be appropriate for this limit.

I can further advise that whilst the principles of Designing Streets should be applied on existing roads where practical, this would be subject to re-design and would involve considerable costs to the Council. Designing Streets is expected to be used predominantly for the design, construction, adoption and maintenance of new streets.

I trust that the foregoing is of assistance, however, should you require further information, please contact (name and phone number removed by GoBike).“

There we have it: disappointing news about the use of “Designing Streets” and no consideration of our contention that installing cycle lanes would narrow the road and reduce traffic speeds.

3.7 Glasgow, Connecting Woodside, Garscube Road, work started on 2-way segregated cycle lane

Here’s some better news: work has started on the 2-way cycle lanes on the east side of Garscube Road, part of the Connecting Woodside works, (shame it’s not 2 1-way lanes, but, hey, it’s better than some of the items in this Digest). Here’s an email from one of our members, who is also a member of his Community Council, sent out on 27 February:

GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL(SAWMILLFIELD STREET, GLASGOW)(TEMPORARY TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 2020 

I am pleased to advise that construction of the first phase of the Connecting Woodside project, a two-way segregated cycle lane on the eastern side of Garscube Road commenced on 24 February 2020. 
J McGeady Ltd is the appointed contractor to undertake the construction works. 
During the construction phase, a Temporary Traffic Regulation order will be in place on the eastern part of Sawmillfield street at junction with Edington. This section will be inaccessible by the general public as it will  be used as the main compound by the contractor. Traffic management will be utilised to prevent unnecessary disruption for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic using Garscube Road and the surrounding roads network.  
I trust this is of assistance; however, should you require any further information, please contact Sustainabletransport@glasgow.gov.uk  
Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

3.8 Glasgow University, March newsletter from Multiplex

Latest newsletter on what’s happening at this University.

3.9 North Toryglen Greenspace & Active Travel Project update

It’s while since we heard much from Toryglen but here’s the latest update received on 02 March:

Dear All,

North Toryglen Greenspace & Active Travel Project

The latest design proposals were showcased at an information session in Toryglen Community Base on Tuesday 18th February. Thanks to everyone who came along.  For those interested to find out more, please see the latest updates on the project webpage here https://www.urbanroots.org.uk/northtoryglen/

There’s some good stuff going on here: do take a look.

3.10 South Lanarkshire, new cycle lanes!

GoBike member, Derek, told us about this, though we don’t recall any consultation coming our way:

Surprise announcement by South Lanarkshire Council that they’re starting to build a short stretch of segregated cycle way in East Kilbride on Monday. Hadn’t heard anything or seen plans beforehand. See: https://twitter.com/southlancouncil/status/1233425786574639104?s=21.

3.11 Glasgow, Active Travel Forum

Some news from GoBike committee member, Calum, who attended the recent Active Travel Forum in Glasgow on 26 February:

Officer update from Steve Gray, including updates on many items where GoBike has responded to consultation:

• Garscube Road construction started on Monday (see Item 3.7 above)
• East City Way works are to start at Mount Vernon from 01 April
• South City Way, Queens Park to Five Ways, ie Cumberland Street to be complete May 2020 (not before time, do I hear you say?)
• Wallacewell Road – Spring on site – this is upgraded and new cycle lanes
• Battlefield – paternity leave caused delay to consultation planned for 18 February (see item 2.1 in Digest 54) cancelled at very short notice
• George Square – working on Experimental TRO for July 2020, reducing traffic around the square for an initial 18 months.
• Underline Avenue works from Cambridge Street to St George’s Road – delayed until after COP26 to start of 2021. Embargo on construction works, related to security cordons for the event.
• Sighthill bridge over the M8, construction begins in March

3.12 Sheriffhall success – what next? Update from Scottish Greens

You might remember that in Digest 52, Item 1.1, we published a message put out by Alison Johnstone, the Green MSP, asking us to oppose the construction of a massive roundabout at Sheriffhall? Here’s the next step:

“Success!

Thanks to you and the thousands of other supporters who objected to the £120m Sheriffhall flyover, we’ve secured a review of this congestion-fuelling, climate-busting scheme. We hope that this will lead to this project being scrapped in favour of green transport investment instead.

The commitment was part of a budget deal the Scottish Greens negotiated that also includes a commitment to introduce free bus travel for all under-19s from next year and a £45m climate emergency package that includes more funding for cycling and walking.

Read all about the Green budget deal.

What’s next?

As the transport spokesperson for the Scottish Greens in Edinburgh, I’ll be writing to the leaders of Edinburgh and Midlothian councils, Adam McVey and Derek Milligan, and to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Michael Matheson, to urge them to change the plans for Sheriffhall. I’ll tell them about your strength of support for investing £120m in cycling and walking, instead of building a flyover that will only increase congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

If politicians like Adam McVey and Michael Matheson want to declare a climate emergency, then they need to act on it!

Claire Miller
Green councillor and transport spokesperson in Edinburgh Council”

________________________________________________

Heartwarming to end with some good news. Let’s hope there is more in our next Digest, due out on 17 March.

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.

_____________________________________________________________________

Contents

Section 1: Current Consultations

1. Glasgow, George Square – is it time for change, closes TOMORROW, 30 October
2. Glasgow, Dalmarnock West, Commuter Parking restrictions, closes FRIDAY, 01 November
3. **NEW** South Lanarkshire, Filtering Silvertonhill Avenue, Snap Survey, closes?
4. **NEW** Dundee, Low Emission Zone, closes?
5. **NEW** Glasgow, Sighthill, Mandatory 20 mph Speed Limit Zone Order, closes 11 November
6. East Dunbartonshire, Draft Local Transport Strategy, closes 12 November
7. **NEW** Glasgow, Queen Margaret Drive cycle lanes, closes 15 November
8. **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – A81 Milngavie Road & A81 Maryhill Road Redetermination of passage to be by Pedal Cycle and foot only, closes 02 December
9. **NEW** Law Commission Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January 2020

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

1. East Dunbartonshire, Draft Local Transport Strategy, public consultation event TOMORROW, 30 October
2. Glasgow, University of Glasgow Campus Development Programme – public meeting, 15 November – plus more disruption on University Avenue!
3. Glasgow, Skirving Street and Deanston Drive, place-making, 21 November

Section 3: Consultation Feedback

1. East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue
2. North Lanarkshire, Work to start on Horsley Brae junction improvements
3. Scotland’s National Transport Strategy consultation: GoBike submission
4. Glasgow, Planning Application for 48 homes, Beith Street, Partick
5. East Dunbartonshire Council: LDP Newsletter No.54
6. Glasgow, Winter Gritting Arrangements, now to include some cycle lanes
7. Glasgow City Council (Glencairn Drive) Traffic calming scheme

Section 1: Current Consultations in date order for responses

1.1 Glasgow, George Square – is it time for change, closes TOMORROW, 30 October

We detailed this short survey in Digest 45, Item 1.5, so do please look at it before the survey closes tomorrow. It’s just a short survey with lots of views already in supporting the removal of motor traffic. Do add to this!

1.2 Glasgow, Dalmarnock West, Commuter Parking restrictions, closes FRIDAY, 01 November

This was a new item in Digest 45 – see Item 1.6, where we have detailed the parking chaos to the west of Dalmarnock Station across to the Police Scotland offices, which even spreads to the other side of the river at Shawfield. Here’s the letter GoBike sent in 2 weeks ago – do please add your support.

1.3 **NEW** South Lanarkshire, Filtering Silvertonhill Avenue, Snap Survey, closes?

Here’s a drawing of the proposal to close the through route from Silvertonhill Avenue to Chestnut Crescent in Hamilton to motor vehicles, but maintain two-way cycle access. Here’s the information that GoBike member, Derek Y, sent in:

” South Lanarkshire Council have proposed a filter at bottom/north of Silvertonhill Avenue with cycle access. This cuts down through traffic on residential streets and makes it easier for children to cross to Woodside Primary School west of Johnstone Road. A shame it keeps 1-way at north without cycle contraflow – you might wish to suggest this in your response to the Survey (with plans on p2) at https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=157053578908 “

Derek had tried to improve even further on permeability for cycling in this area so if you know this part of Hamilton do please advise South Lanarkshire Council of what more could be done – there’s a space in the survey to add comments.

This is just the sort of thing that we’d love to see more of all over the Greater Glasgow and Strathclyde area as modal filters make local areas nicer by discouraging rat-running, short journeys by car more unattractive and provide alternatives for people travelling by bicycle.

There’s no apparent closing date for the survey so do respond to it quickly. It’s really easy and very short.

1.4 **NEW** Dundee, Low Emission Zone, closes?

This is another quick survey that we have heard about from Friends of the Earth, but there is no indication of a closing date. You might only cycle in Dundee on your hols or travel to the city to visit the V&A or the Discovery but surely you will want the air to be as clean as it can be?

Here’s the email received on 24 October from FoE:

” Everyone who lives, works or visits Dundee city centre is being exposed to dangerous air pollution. The Council has a plan that will do little to change that. That’s why we need everyone in Scotland to speak up. 

Dundee Council are asking for the public’s views on their Low Emission Zone (LEZ) plans. We have provided a step-by-step guide that will help you respond quickly and effectively. Click to take action

A Low Emission Zone should restrict the worst polluting vehicles and protect the health of people who live and work in the area. But Dundee’s LEZ plans are a tiny zone which ignores Lochee Road –  consistently one of the most polluted roads in the whole of Scotland! 

This Zone needs to improve air quality for anyone who spends time in Dundee and that means making sure it cleans up the most polluted areas. 

The First Minister, and many councils, have declared a climate emergency. But we’re still seeing business-as-usual ideas. Climate emissions from transport are the same now as they were in 1990. 

There is an opportunity for Dundee to show real leadership and move away from fossil fuelled vehicles. If Dundee Council hear from enough people demanding more ambition, they will have to pay attention. 

Please take a few minutes to respond to the consultation now “

I found the various option pictures a wee bit confusing so the FoE guidance was a big help.
Do respond to this quick survey and let’s get Low Emission Zones in all Scotland’s cities.

1.5 **NEW** Glasgow, Sighthill, Mandatory 20 mph Speed Limit Zone Order, closes 11 November

Sighthill redevelopment continues and Glasgow City Council is looking to introduce a 20mph speed limit for the area. Here’s the email that we received on 21 October:

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

Dear Sir / Madam
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (SIGHTHILL), (MANDATORY 20mph SPEED LIMIT ZONE) ORDER 201_

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order and I wish to establish the preliminary views of your organisation prior to the publication of these proposals.

Background to the proposed Order
Glasgow City Council are proposing to implement a mandatory 20mph speed limit in Sighthill. 

The purpose of the Mandatory 20mph Zone is to ensure that vehicle users reduce their speeds to 20mph or less, and therefore improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and all other vehicle users.  By turn, it is anticipated that this will encourage more people to walk and cycle, which will naturally see improved health benefits.  

Area affected by the proposed Order

The roads affected by these proposals are bounded by:-
The order will affect the residential area generally bounded by St. Rollox Drive to the north,  Springburn Road to the east. The M8 motorway to the south and the railway line to the west.

The roads affected by the proposals are:
Cuddies, Campus Place, Fountainwell Drive, Fountainwell Gardens, Fountainwell Groove, Fountainwell Road, Hopepark Wynd, Hopepark Court, Huntingdon Street, Huntingdon Road, Huntingdon Close, Huttons Drive, Pinkston Road, Pinkston Drive, Pinkston Wynd, Sighthill Avenue, Sighthill Circus, Sighthill Park Gate,  Sighthill Park Terrace, Stalk Court, Tower Place.

Details of the proposed Order
The proposed Order (as depicted on the attached plans) will comprise of:-

·        The implementation of a 20mph speed limit. 

Please provide any comments you wish to make on these proposals within 21 days (reply by 11^th November 2019).

In the meantime, should you require any further information or clarification on any points arising from the proposals, do not hesitate to contact my assistant (name and phone number removed by GoBike)

Should the Council proceed with these proposals; a copy of the Notice of the proposed Order will be forwarded to you intimating an opportunity to lodge any objections to the proposals.

Yours faithfully

Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability“

The plan mentioned above is here.

GoBike will be supporting this proposal, probably the first time such a large area has been covered by a 20mph TRO, our only concern being how compliance will be ensured. If you live in Sighthill or travel through there please do add your support to this move; Sighthill is a residential area where children, and everybody else, should be able to move about without fear of being mowed down by a motor vehicle going too fast.

1.6 East Dunbartonshire, Draft Local Transport Strategy, closes 12 November

This consultation was featured in Digest 45, Item 1.7 and there is now just one Consultation Event left to go to – and that’s tomorrow!
Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre – Wednesday 30 October – 3pm-7pm

If you can get there please do, and send any views to consultations@gobike.org so that we can include them in our response.

1.7 **NEW** Glasgow, Queen Margaret Drive cycle lanes, closes 15 November

Work on the proposals initiated by local businesses was unfortunately postponed when concerns were raised about the initial proposals for Byres Road, but GoBike received this email on 18 October:

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

Dear Sir or Madam,
THE GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL, (QUEEN MARGARET DRIVE), (TRAFFIC REGULATION) ORDER 201_

The Council propose to consider the introduction of the above named Traffic Regulation Order.
Please find enclosed a copy of the press notice of the proposed Order, relevant plan (drawing 5126-001 A), statement of reasons and detailed report.

A copy of the draft order, the plan, statement of reasons and report for proposing to make the order are available for inspection at the following locations:

·        Reception, Exchange House, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX

·        Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8AP

Details of the proposals will also be available on the Glasgow City Council website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/proposedtro . 

As stated in the attached documentation, any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send details of the grounds for objection in writing to Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services, Exchange House, Glasgow City Council, 231 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RX or to Christine Francis by e-mail, to land@glasgow.gov.uk by Friday 15 November 2019.

Yours faithfully

Christine Francis, Head of Technical Services, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability”

The documents mentioned in the email are here: copy of the draft order, the plan, the statement of reasons and the report.

We have already, 28 October, submitted a clear GoBike response , written by Calum, but the main proposals, from the City Council, which you might wish to read before you read the GoBike view are given in the report and are repeated here:

“The proposed Order (as depicted on the attached plans) will comprise of:-

1. Removal of parking and extension of the existing ‘No waiting, no loading at any time’ restrictions on the West kerbline of Queen Margaret Drive between Clouston Street and Kelbourne Street.
2. Proposed segregated two-way cycleway on West footway of Queen Margaret Drive between Hamilton Drive and the existing bus stop located approximately 175m north of Hotspur Street.
3. Existing bus stops to be retained.
4. Existing loading bays to be retained.
5. Existing taxi rank, on East kerbline of Queen Margaret Drive, to be retained.
6. Removal of the existing bus lane on Queen Margaret drive from a point approximately 40m North of Kelbourne Street for a distance of approximately 220m north to accommodate a two-way segregated cycleway. “

While the proposals will improve things for people cycling on Queen Margaret Drive, we have found that issues we have highlighted on other schemes are repeated here. This is worrying but we have made clear our concerns in our submission.

1. 8 **NEW** East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – A81 Milngavie Road & A81 Maryhill Road Redetermination of passage to be by Pedal Cycle and foot only, closes 02 December

Here’s the email that we received from East Dunbartonshire Council on 23 October:

“The East Dunbartonshire Council (A81 Milngavie Road and A81 Maryhill Road, Bearsden)(Redetermination Of Means Of Passage To Be By Pedal Cycle And Foot Only) Order.

The Council is promoting the above mentioned Traffic Regulation Order. Enclosed is a copy of the draft Order together with a copy of the plan indicating the locations of the footways and Statement of Reasons for the proposal. Also enclosed is a copy of the Notice that is to appear in the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald that is published on 1st November 2019. Should you wish to comment on the proposal you must do so in writing by Monday, 2 December 2019. Your comments should be sent to Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, 12 Strathkelvin Place, Kirkintilloch, G66 1TJ. (See attached file: 191022 Draft Redetermination Order Cluny Park area.pdf)

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

Here’s a further copy of the document from East Dunbartonshire Council, which includes a copy of the plan and the redetermination proposal.

This proposal is very near to the area where GoBike has supported the earlier proposal, see Digest 45, Item 1.2, to introduce parking and loading restrictions at the south end of Rannoch Drive.
It appears to be a move to ameliorate potential collisions and near misses at the junction of the A81 and the Switchback, by allowing people to cycle on the footway. It would have been better all round if the extension south of the Bears Way had been built.
GoBike will be submitting a response but if you do have views please get them to us, by emailing consultations@gobike.org

1.9 **NEW** Law Commission Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS, public consultation, closes 16 January 2020

Here’s an interesting email that we received on 16 October from the UK Law Commission:

“Dear All,

We are pleased to announce the publication of the second consultation paper in our three-year review of the UK’s regulatory framework for automated vehicles. This launches a three-month public consultation.

This paper looks at the regulation of self-driving vehicles which could travel empty or only with passengers, without a human driver or user-in-charge. We focus on self-driving vehicles providing mobility services to the public, which we refer to as Highly Automated Road Passenger Services, HARPS. Today’s paper builds on the work in our first consultation on safety assurance and allocating legal responsibility.

We invite you to respond to the paper by 16 January 2020. We have set up an online portal for submitting responses but welcome input in any format. If you have ideas for consultation events or would like a meeting please get in touch.

The consultation paper, summary and details for how to respond are available on our project page at https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/automated-vehicles/ 

Yours sincerely,

Automated Vehicles Team – Law Commissions

Automated Vehicles | Law Commission | Public Law Team
1st Floor, Tower, Post Point 1.54, 52 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9AG“

We weren’t too impressed with the first consultation on this topic, see Digest 27, Item 1.1
The banner picture above is from their email so they do acknowledge that these driverless vehicles will be operating near people walking or cycling. We’ll be conferring with other organisations as to their views, but if you have any do let us know.

Section 2: Forthcoming Consultations

2.1 East Dunbartonshire, Draft Local Transport Strategy, public consultation TOMORROW, 30 October

This event, tomorrow, mentioned also in Item 1.6 above, is the last in a series of public meetings about the Local Transport Strategy:

Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre – Wednesday 30 October – 3pm-7pm

Do please get there if you can.

2.2 Glasgow, University of Glasgow Campus Development Programme – public meeting, 15 November – plus more disruption on University Avenue!

GoBike member, Derek M, told us about this meeting that might just be of interest? Here’s the email he forwarded to us:

“From: Internal Communications <communications@glasgow.ac.uk>
Date: 22 October 2019 at 12:50:48 BST
To: Internal Communications <communications@glasgow.ac.uk>
Subject:University of Glasgow Campus Development Programme – public meeting

The University of Glasgow will hold a public meeting on Wednesday 13 November to update about progress on its Campus Development Programme.

The event will be held in the Wolfson Medical Building (Gannochy Room), from 18:30 – 20:00. You can register to attend through Eventbrite.

The meeting is open to the public and will focus on the ongoing and upcoming work taking place on the Gilmorehill campus, particularly on the site of the former Western Infirmary.

The agenda includes presentations from University project managers, as well as construction partners.

We intend to update on the following areas, however there will also be the opportunity for questions.

1. Infrastructure on University Avenue, University Place, and future demolitions along Church Street;
2. Construction update for the James McCune Smith Learning Hub and the Research Hub;
3. Overview of planning and final design for the Clarice Pears Building (Institute of Health & Wellbeing);
4. Planning and anticipated programme for the Adam Smith Business School and landscaping for the Southern Gateway;
5. A look inside the James McCune Smith Learning Hub, the Research Hub, including community facilities;
6. Community benefits;
7. Q&A.

Due to a busy agenda, please note the event will start at 18:30 prompt. Refreshments are available in the Atrium of the Wolfson Medical School Building from 18:00.

Tickets are not required, however attendees are encouraged to register, so that we have an indication of numbers. 

For those who have attended these meeting before, the Gannochy Room is next to the lecture theatre where the sessions are usually held.

Please direct queries to campus-development@glasgow.ac.uk“

Item 1 could keep the discussion going for quite a while! Do get along if you are studying or working at the university or if you have been involved in the campaign for good cycle infrastructure on University Avenue.

PLUS, just in case you don’t find negotiating University Avenue traumatic enough, here’s news of services works, that we received on 26 October:

“I’m writing to let you know we will shortly be starting our project to upgrade the gas network in University Avenue, Glasgow. This essential work involves the replacement of old, metal gas mains with new plastic pipe to ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply.
Following discussions with Glasgow City Council our project will start on Monday 4 November and last approximately ten weeks. We’ll be carrying out the work over two phases to help minimise disruption.

Each phase is described below.

Phase one – approximately five weeks
On Monday 4 November, we’ll begin working in University Avenue between Kelvin Way and Hillhead Street. During this phase, most of our work will be taking place on the footpath however, cycle lanes may be closed to allow pedestrian access.

Phase two – approximately five weeks
From Monday 6 January 2020, we’ll be working in University Avenue between Hillhead Street and University Gardens. During this phase, we’ll also be installing temporary three-way traffic lights in University Avenue at its junction with Hillhead Street. The lights will be manually controlled during peak hours to help minimise inconvenience as much as possible.We’ll be posting regular updates on our website https://one.network/?112401221 and using social media and traffic bulletins to keep residents and motorists informed.
Please feel free to share this information with your stakeholders and anyone else who may be impacted by our work.

one.networkone.networkOne platform to plan, monitor, communicate and analyse traffic disruptions.”

No mention of temporary cycle lanes or cycle phases in the temporary traffic lights, but good that they will be keeping “motorists informed”!

If you attend the event on the 15th, you might wish to ask about this?

2.3 Glasgow, Skirving Street and Deanston Drive, place-making, 21 November

GoBike member, Alasdair, has told us about this Sustrans event to be held in Shawlands:

Consultation Feedback

3.1 East Dunbartonshire, Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – Killermont Avenue, Rannoch Drive and Woodvale Avenue

GoBike supported moves to prohibit parking and loading around the car showrooms in this area, see our last Digest, Issue 45, Item 1.2 and we have now received this acknowledgement from East Dunbartonshire Council:

“Good morning Tricia
Thank you for responding. A copy of your email with attached letter has been forwarded to the Council’s Roads and Transportation.
Regards Fiona Stirling, Legal Services“

This now appears to be part of moves to improve active travel in this part of Bearsden – see also Item 1.8 above.

3.2 North Lanarkshire, Work to start on Horsley Brae junction improvements

GoBike gets very little information from North Lanarkshire but we doubt that the forthcoming changes to this area make an improvement for cycling. They will certainly speed up northbound through traffic and extend the potential conflict with merging motor traffic southbound. Read on for the message we received on 21 October:

“Work to start at Horsley Brae junction

Work starts from today (21 October) on improvements to the road layout at the A71 Horsley Brae junction with the B7011 Brownlee Road.

North and South Lanarkshire Councils and Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) are investing a total of £1.6 million in the project which aims to reduce congestion at the busy junction.

The A71 will be widened to create a right-turn lane northbound, for traffic turning on to Brownlee Road, and a merging lane for traffic travelling south on Brownlee Road and joining the A71.

A contractor JH Civil Engineering Ltd has been appointed to carry out the work, which is expected to take approximately 26 weeks.

Traffic management will be used to allow vehicles to continue using the A71 during the majority of the works, however during certain phases of the proposed works, it is expected that road closures will be necessary. The most effcieint diversion routes will be advised in advance of the closure.

“This is a very busy junction particularly at morning and evening peak times, with traffic queuing to turn right which leads to delays and congestion back to the Garrion Bridge roundabout,” said Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of the Environment and Transportation Committee.

“By creating a right-turn lane with capacity for approximately 14 cars, we will reduce the queue of northbound cars while the southbound merging lane will improve traffic flow away from the junction.

“Improvements will also be made to pedestrian routes across the junction to make the popular Clyde walkway safer.

“We appreciate that the roadworks will cause delays over the coming months but, when complete, we will see significant improvements in traffic flow and road safety for drivers and pedestrians.”

Information about the project will be on the web site and updates posted on Facebook and Twitter @nlcpeople.

SPT are investing £800,000 in the project with both councils contributing £400,000 each.”

No mention of people cycling there and probably no allowance will be made for bikes during the works – although we live in hope – so do take care if you are out and about in this area.

3.3 Scotland’s National Transport Strategy consultation: GoBike submission

This consultation closed on 23 October – details have been in our last few Digests – and our well-considered submission was sent in on 21 October. Here it is, and we are very grateful to Brenda for giving it so much thought and investigation.

And we received this automatic reply:

“Thank you for submitting your response to the draft National Transport Strategy consultation.  An analysis of all responses will be carried out to allow us to shape the Strategy and help us all to achieve better outcomes for Scotland’s citizens, communities and businesses.  The results of the consultation will be published on the Transport Scotland website by the end of 2019.  Once published, you will be notified by email and an update on the next stage will be provided.

If you have any questions, please contact  NTS2@transport.gov.scot“

3.4 Glasgow, Planning Application for 48 homes, Beith Street, Partick

GoBike joined many others in opposing a residential development in the green space between Beith Street and the Expressway. Our objection was published in Digest 42, Item 3.6 and we have now been sent this message, dated 23 October:

“Dear Sir/Madam

I refer to representations made by you regarding the above application for Planning Permission.

I am writing to advise you that Glasgow Planning Local Review Committee has received a request to review the decision taken by the Appointed Officer under delegated powers.

The Committee will take into account your previous representations during its deliberations. Any further representations you wish to make on the review should be submitted to the address below within 14 days of the date of this letter, quoting the review reference number. A copy of the representations will be sent to the applicant for comment.

Planning Local Review Committee
Development & Regeneration Services
231 George Street
Glasgow, G1 1RX
E-mail: onlineplanning@glasgow.gov.uk 

A review of the case by virtue of Section 43A(8) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended) will be conducted by the Council’s Planning Local Review Committee. Details of the date, time and place of the meeting will be forwarded to you as soon as possible after all the relevant information has been received. At that meeting, the Planning Local Review Committee will consider if the review documents provide sufficient information to enable it to determine the review and may determine the review without further procedure.

However, the Committee may determine that the review is to be conducted by one of, or a combination of the following:-

• by means of written submissions
  • by the holding of one or more hearing sessions; and
  • by means of an inspection of the land to which the review relates

If the Committee decide to hold a hearing you will be contacted again and given the opportunity to attend.

All the documentation relating to the review is available to view online at www.glasgow.gov.uk/onlineplanning.

Please note that parties to a review will be expected to meet their own administration costs.“

Let’s hope that in the face of well over 100 objections that this is the end of the road for such an anti-active-travel proposal that would destroy green space and bring more motor vehicles to this residential street.

3.5 East Dunbartonshire Council: LDP Newsletter No.54

We received East Dunbartonshire’s LDP Newsletter 54 on 17 October with this explanatory email:

“Please find attached the latest newsletter from East Dunbartonshire Council’s Land Planning Policy team. This edition includes details of the following:
Local Development Plan 2 ‘Main Issues Report’ consultation
Draft Local Transport Strategy consultation “

3.6 Glasgow, Winter Gritting Arrangements, now to include some cycle lanes

GoBike’s co-Convenor, John, has been involved in discussions about the gritting of cycle lanes and now GoBike members, Derek M and Alasdair, have sent this link to the arrangements for this coming winter:

https://glasgowgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=d383df28e39d48b294e66826d2c1456d

Do take care, though, when you are out and about.

3.7 Glasgow City Council (Glencairn Drive) Traffic calming scheme

In Digest 45, Item 3.2 we published the reply sent by Glasgow City Council to our concerns about the proposed traffic calming scheme for Glencairn Drive near Maxwell Park, along with our response.
On 28 October this further reply was received, showing absolutely no acknowledgement of the concern that there appeared to be a mistake on one of their drawings!

“MESSAGE SENT ON BEHALF OF MICHAEL BRADY, GROUP MANAGER – TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Dear Ms Fort

Thank you for your undernoted e-mail, I can advise that your comments will be taken on board for future proposals.

As previously advised, the responsibility for the installation of speed cameras lies with Safety Cameras Scotland, who have their own criteria for the installation of speed cameras, which is stricter than our criteria for the installation of traffic calming.

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

Michael Brady, Group Manager – Traffic and Road Safety, Neighbourhoods and Sustainability

From: Tricia Fort [mailto:consultations@gobike.org]
Sent: 11 October 2019 16:04
To: Mailroom, Land Services (NS) <LandServices.Mailroom@glasgow.gov.uk>
Subject: Re: FW: The Glasgow City Council (Glencairn Drive) Traffic calming scheme – Mail id no 393585

Dear Mr Brady,

Thank you for replying to our letter of 17 September and your response to some of the points made therein. For your reference I attach one of the drawings issued as part of this TRO, which clearly shows a gap of 0.55m between cushion and kerb. The GoBike response was based on this drawing. Will you please issue the correct version of the drawing?

I also attach a screenshot showing a view of the road that shows the setts in the gutter, which do not form an acceptable cycling surface. However, I note your comment about the space between the middle cushions and we have to hope that people will be confident enough to use this gap when they are cycling on this road.

It is unfortunate, in our view, that the City Council does not take a more global view when there are concerns expressed about speeding. Rather than maintain this wide road, and others, as one primarily for motor vehicles we would prefer a move towards streets for people. It is also a curious policy that you continue to spend public money to restrain motor drivers who choose to break speed limits, rather than requesting that speed cameras be installed. Thank you, though for the clarification on speed cameras and the link to the relevant website.

We maintain our support for the reduction of dangerous speeds but object to the proposed method of achieving your aims at this location.

Tricia Fort
for Consultations, GoBike, Strathclyde Cycle Campaign, www.gobike.org“

A telephone call to the City Council has elicited the information that the drawing issued, with the critical dimension shown above, was incorrect, but who knows what the final as-built arrangement will be?

Almost world-wide news in this edition, but we hope you have found it of interest.