While we recognise that the plans for Charlotte Square will have benefits for pedestrians including improved accessibility, we believe that the latest designs do not fully consider the needs of pedestrians and their safety.
In particular, we consider that the following issues require further consideration:
- The location of the pedestrian crossings from George Street to Charlotte Square do not meet desire lines and therefore there is a risk that pedestrians will use other means to cross Charlotte Street. How have the locations for the planned pedestrian crossings been selected?
- These crossings are across three lanes of traffic and a cycle path. Clearly the time available for pedestrians to cross this busy road needs to be adequate for all walkers and wheelers including those with impaired mobility. Do these crossings meet the latest national design guidance for such infrastructure? Has any modelling of pedestrian footfall been undertaken to confirm that the crossing space is adequate?
- From our monitoring of the pedestrian crossings at the junction of Charlotte Street and Princes Street we have observed vehicles “jumping the red lights” at these crossings. We are concerned that due to the significant traffic on Charlotte Street and the potential for congestion that drivers may be tempted to do the same at the new crossings. The design and signage of these crossings need to reflect the expected volume of vehicles and pedestrians.
- We understand that it is currently planned to install a non-signalised crossing on the south side of Charlotte Square. Given the traffic volumes, the proximity to the junction with Hope Street and the width of the road we strongly believe that this decision should be revisited on the grounds of pedestrian safety. A signalised crossing would provide a much safer option for pedestrians.
We are also concerned that this project is being progressed at the expense of other projects in the City Mobility Plan and question whether the maximum score for impact on walkers and wheelers is justified. This is not a high footfall area nor are there known road safety concerns in contrast to the Cowgate where we have strongly advocated for changes to improve road safety. Given the limited funds available it is critical that they are spent on the areas which will deliver the greatest benefit in line with the Council’s published travel hierarchy.