Latest news with #Kinross-O'Neill
Scotsman
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Calls to axe controversial upgrade to Edinburgh's Sheriffhall Roundabout snuffed out by transport boss
A push to axe the council's support for a controversial upgrade to a congested city roundabout has been snuffed out by the city's transport boss. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Plans to upgrade the busy Sheriffhall Roundabout, the only flat junction on the bypass, have been in the works since 2018, but work has not yet started on the project. At a committee meeting yesterday, the city's Green group made a bid to cut the council's support for the flyover, saying money could be better spent elsewhere. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It was rebuffed by the city's transport leader, although he admitted building new infrastructure on the city bypass was not 'ultimately' the solution to increased traffic caused by population growth in the Lothians. An artist's impression of the proposed Sheriffhall roundabout flyover While the bypass is Transport Scotland's responsibility, cutting the council's support would have sent a strong message of dissatisfaction with the project to Holyrood. Greens, both at the council and in the Scottish Parliament, have long opposed the flyover on the grounds that it could cause induced demand – the phenomenon by which adding more road infrastructure in an area can cause more people to start driving. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They say that money should instead be spent on improving public transport links and building infrastructure to allow for more walking and cycling. Councillor Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill, the Greens co-leader, said: 'Congestion is a human issue, no matter where and what it is, that unfortunately needs human-led behaviour change. 'We note the issues faced, and think we should be moving away from the conversation of the roads and staying on the path – no pun intended – of priortising walking, wheeling and cycling, and reducing car dependency. 'Totally appreciate that Sheriffhall is above all of us, and we're still awaiting the results of the public local inquiry. However we're all pretty tired of waiting, and we know there are better ways money could be spent across the region.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cllr Kinross-O'Neill said some possible options could be putting money towards the trams, more park and rides and expanded bus lanes in the capital. She continued to say: 'We request that we withdraw the favour and support of the scheme, [or] any sort of waste of time road improvements that would cause congestion, not tackle it.' The exchange came as part of a debate over a motion by Conservative councillor Neil Cuthbert calling for action on congestion on the city bypass, as well as modelling on what future traffic could look like on the road. Edinburgh's Green group added their request to scrap support for the flyover as an amendment to the motion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Transport and Environment Committee convener Stephen Jenkinson moved no action on Cllr Cuthbert's motion, which also eliminated the Green amendment. He said: 'One of the main reasons that there are times where the bypass does get congested – and it does get congested, from time to time I am stuck on it – It's as much to do with population growth, not only in Edinburgh, but predominantly in East Lothian, which has increased the traffic on the bypass. 'So how do you tackle it? I don't think that building a flyover is ultimately the solution. What you have to do is actually do things to do what you can to remove the traffic, to get it back to norms. 'So public transport solutions, like tram, potentially bus rapid transport links to East Lothian and Midlothian, are the long term solutions in regards to giving the people using the bypass an alternative option.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The debate over the flyover comes amid wider questions over the future of the project. A need for it was identified 17 years ago, and in 2018 it was included in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland city region deal, which put £120 million towards the project. But it has lumbered along slowly through the planning process, with more than 2,700 objections to its construction leading to an inquiry. Though it was submitted in October of 2023, the Scottish Government is still reviewing the inquiry's report. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Earlier this month, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop told MSPs that she is waiting on advice from senior Scottish Government officials on the next steps for the project. She added that she was unable to provide a timeline for when action would be taken.
Edinburgh Reporter
27-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Call to axe Sheriffhall Roundabout support beaten
A push to axe the council's support for a controversial upgrade to a congested city roundabout has been snuffed out by the city's transport boss. Plans to upgrade the busy Sheriffhall Roundabout, the only flat junction on the bypass, have been in the works since 2018, but work has not yet started on the project. At a committee meeting yesterday, the city's Green group made a bid to cut the council's support for the flyover, saying money could be better spent elsewhere. It was rebuffed by the city's transport leader, although he admitted building new infrastructure on the city bypass was not 'ultimately' the solution to increased traffic caused by population growth in the Lothians. While the bypass is Transport Scotland's responsibility, cutting the council's support would have sent a strong message of dissatisfaction with the project to Holyrood. Greens, both at the council and in the Scottish Parliament, have long opposed the flyover on the grounds that it could cause induced demand – the phenomenon by which adding more road infrastructure in an area can cause more people to start driving. They say that money should instead be spent on improving public transport links and building infrastructure to allow for more walking and cycling. Councillor Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill, the Greens co-leader, said: 'Congestion is a human issue, no matter where and what it is, that unfortunately needs human-led behaviour change. 'We note the issues faced, and think we should be moving away from the conversation of the roads and staying on the path – no pun intended – of priortising walking, wheeling and cycling, and reducing car dependency. 'Totally appreciate that Sheriffhall is above all of us, and we're still awaiting the results of the public local inquiry. However we're all pretty tired of waiting, and we know there are better ways money could be spent across the region.' Cllr Kinross-O'Neill said some possible options could be putting money towards the trams, more park and rides and expanded bus lanes in the capital. She continued to say: 'We request that we withdraw the favour and support of the scheme, [or] any sort of waste of time road improvements that would cause congestion, not tackle it.' The exchange came as part of a debate over a motion by Conservative councillor Neil Cuthbert calling for action on congestion on the city bypass, as well as modelling on what future traffic could look like on the road. Edinburgh's Green group added their request to scrap support for the flyover as an amendment to the motion. Transport and Environment Committee convener Stephen Jenkinson moved no action on Cllr Cuthbert's motion, which also eliminated the Green amendment. He said: 'One of the main reasons that there are times where the bypass does get congested – and it does get congested, from time to time I am stuck on it – It's as much to do with population growth, not only in Edinburgh, but predominantly in East Lothian, which has increased the traffic on the bypass. 'So how do you tackle it? I don't think that building a flyover is ultimately the solution. What you have to do is actually do things to do what you can to remove the traffic, to get it back to norms. 'So public transport solutions, like tram, potentially bus rapid transport links to East Lothian and Midlothian, are the long term solutions in regards to giving the people using the bypass an alternative option.' The debate over the flyover comes amid wider questions over the future of the project. A need for it was identified 17 years ago, and in 2018 it was included in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland city region deal, which put £120 million towards the project. But it has lumbered along slowly through the planning process, with more than 2,700 objections to its construction leading to an inquiry. Though it was submitted in October of 2023, the Scottish Government is still reviewing the inquiry's report. Earlier this month, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop told MSPs that she is waiting on advice from senior Scottish Government officials on the next steps for the project. She added that she was unable to provide a timeline for when action would be taken. By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
Bid to scrap Edinburgh support for Sheriffhall roundabout plans snuffed out
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A push to axe the council's support for a controversial upgrade to a congested city roundabout has been snuffed out by the city's transport boss. Plans to upgrade the busy Sheriffhall Roundabout, the only flat junction on the bypass, have been in the works since 2018, but work has not yet started on the project. At a committee meeting yesterday, the city's Green group made a bid to cut the council's support for the flyover, saying money could be better spent elsewhere. It was rebuffed by the city's transport leader, although he admitted building new infrastructure on the city bypass was not 'ultimately' the solution to increased traffic caused by population growth in the Lothians. While the bypass is Transport Scotland's responsibility, cutting the council's support would have sent a strong message of dissatisfaction with the project to Holyrood. Greens, both at the council and in the Scottish Parliament, have long opposed the flyover on the grounds that it could cause induced demand – the phenomenon by which adding more road infrastructure in an area can cause more people to start driving. They say that money should instead be spent on improving public transport links and building infrastructure to allow for more walking and cycling. Councillor Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill, the Greens co-leader, said: 'Congestion is a human issue, no matter where and what it is, that unfortunately needs human-led behaviour change. 'We note the issues faced, and think we should be moving away from the conversation of the roads and staying on the path – no pun intended – of priortising walking, wheeling and cycling, and reducing car dependency. 'Totally appreciate that Sheriffhall is above all of us, and we're still awaiting the results of the public local inquiry. However we're all pretty tired of waiting, and we know there are better ways money could be spent across the region.' Cllr Kinross-O'Neill said some possible options could be putting money towards the trams, more park and rides and expanded bus lanes in the capital. She continued to say: 'We request that we withdraw the favour and support of the scheme, [or] any sort of waste of time road improvements that would cause congestion, not tackle it.' The exchange came as part of a debate over a motion by Conservative councillor Neil Cuthbert calling for action on congestion on the city bypass, as well as modelling on what future traffic could look like on the road. Edinburgh's Green group added their request to scrap support for the flyover as an amendment to the motion. Transport and Environment Committee convener Stephen Jenkinson moved no action on Cllr Cuthbert's motion, which also eliminated the Green amendment. He said: 'One of the main reasons that there are times where the bypass does get congested – and it does get congested, from time to time I am stuck on it - It's as much to do with population growth, not only in Edinburgh, but predominantly in East Lothian, which has increased the traffic on the bypass. 'So how do you tackle it? I don't think that building a flyover is ultimately the solution. What you have to do is actually do things to do what you can to remove the traffic, to get it back to norms. 'So public transport solutions, like tram, potentially bus rapid transport links to East Lothian and Midlothian, are the long term solutions in regards to giving the people using the bypass an alternative option.' The debate over the flyover comes amid wider questions over the future of the project. A need for it was identified 17 years ago, and in 2018 it was included in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland city region deal, which put £120 million towards the project. But it has lumbered along slowly through the planning process, with more than 2,700 objections to its construction leading to an inquiry. Though it was submitted in October of 2023, the Scottish Government is still reviewing the inquiry's report. Earlier this month, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop told MSPs that she is waiting on advice from senior Scottish Government officials on the next steps for the project. She added that she was unable to provide a timeline for when action would be taken.
Edinburgh Live
04-06-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
New Edinburgh Green group leader wants 'more than shallow promises'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Green councillors have elected a new co-leader who wants 'more than shallow promises' from the city's administration for Edinburgh's most vulnerable. Councillor Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill, who represents Forth ward, will take over from Councillor Susan Rae, who stepped down after a year in the post. Cllr Kinross-O'Neill said: 'I'm very excited to have been elected as Green co-convenor of our Edinburgh Councillor group. 'As a strong progressive party in opposition it is more important than ever that we see diverse voices represented in leadership. I'm hoping to speak for people in the city whose voices are silenced or ignored by decision makers in the Council. 'We know that disabled people, trans people, migrants and refugees, those on lower incomes or in poverty, need more than shallow promises, delay and denial from our current administration in Edinburgh. 'Greens will always stand up for those who need it most and continue to scrutinise, develop policy or facilitate grassroots action that tackles the horrific impacts of the climate crisis.' Cllr Kinross-O'Neill has been elected for a two-year term, while Councillor Chas Booth will stay on as the Green group's other leader for one more year, after also being returned in the election. The Edinburgh Green group elects two co-conveners, unlike the city's other political groups which each have one. Cllrs Booth and Kinross-O'Neill will each earn £30,686 per year, with other group leaders earning £40,027. Cllr Booth said: 'I'm delighted that Edinburgh Green Councillors have selected me to continue as Co-Convener of the group. 'As the chaos of the extreme minority Labour administration continues it is vital that we have a strong Green voice in opposition. 'I would like to pay tribute to Susan Rae who has been my fellow Co-Convener over the past year and who it has been a joy to work with. 'Susan's tenacity, passion and keen political instincts have been invaluable to the Edinburgh Green Councillors and helped us secure many wins for people across the city. 'I'm looking forward to continuing that legacy with Cllr Kinross-O'Neill and my Green Councillor colleagues.' Green councillor Alex Staniforth stood against Cllr Booth, who was first elected as a Green group co-leader last year.
Edinburgh Reporter
03-06-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Green councillors elect a new co-leader
Green councillors have elected a new co-leader who wants 'more than shallow promises' from the city's administration for Edinburgh's most vulnerable. Councillor Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill, who represents Forth ward, will take over from Councillor Susan Rae, who stepped down after a year in the post. Cllr Kinross-O'Neill said: 'I'm very excited to have been elected as Green co-convenor of our Edinburgh Councillor group. 'As a strong progressive party in opposition it is more important than ever that we see diverse voices represented in leadership. I'm hoping to speak for people in the city whose voices are silenced or ignored by decision makers in the Council. 'We know that disabled people, trans people, migrants and refugees, those on lower incomes or in poverty, need more than shallow promises, delay and denial from our current administration in Edinburgh. 'Greens will always stand up for those who need it most and continue to scrutinise, develop policy or facilitate grassroots action that tackles the horrific impacts of the climate crisis.' Cllr Kinross-O'Neill has been elected for a two-year term, while Councillor Chas Booth will stay on as the Green group's other leader for one more year, after also being returned in the election. The Edinburgh Green group elects two co-conveners, unlike the city's other political groups which each have one. Cllrs Booth and Kinross-O'Neill will each earn £30,686 per year, with other group leaders earning £40,027. Cllr Booth said: 'I'm delighted that Edinburgh Green Councillors have selected me to continue as Co-Convener of the group. 'As the chaos of the extreme minority Labour administration continues it is vital that we have a strong Green voice in opposition. 'I would like to pay tribute to Susan Rae who has been my fellow Co-Convener over the past year and who it has been a joy to work with. 'Susan's tenacity, passion and keen political instincts have been invaluable to the Edinburgh Green Councillors and helped us secure many wins for people across the city. 'I'm looking forward to continuing that legacy with Cllr Kinross-O'Neill and my Green Councillor colleagues.' Green councillor Alex Staniforth stood against Cllr Booth, who was first elected as a Green group co-leader last year. Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
