Councillor Alan Tweedie

With the new hospital opening soon, road traffic in the area is going to increase considerably. It will be important to monitor traffic changes in the area. Traffic is an issue that concerns everyone. Back in 1981 approximately 2 people a week were being killed on Lothian roads. Now it's approximately 1 a week.

Reducing car traffic is a big challenge. The Westminster government set a national target of 10% increase in bus travel in 10 years Ð that was achieved on some 'Greenway' routes in Edinburgh inside 2 years! After 40 years of decline in the bus service, bus use in Edinburgh is growing again. How we make further progress on traffic issues involves a major consultation that each Councillor needs to have with constituents.

Traffic is one issue that concerns everyone Ð and planning decisions another. During my last stint as Prestonfield Councillor there were regular attempts to persuade me that building on Inch Park and Morgan Playing Fields are good ideas. They are not! The ward and surrounding areas have few open spaces left and those that still exist have got to be protected. Every insensitive planning application must be resisted and people's needs put first. This does not mean that no new planning initiatives are possible. It means that every application has to be vigorously scrutinised and those that are against the public interest or nature's essential needs are challenged.

Edinburgh is changing fast and those that live here are entitled to share with their fellow citizens a safe and satisfying life. The Council has its role to play in that. It is my mission to do what I can to support local people in their actions for progress at Cameron Toll, Newington, Prestonfield and Priestfield. If you feel that I can help in any way as your local Councillor, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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