December 2025 news from Councillor Neil Ross

Greenbank/Meadows Quiet Route ETRO process explained

I recently attended a meeting of ward councillors with the Council’s Transport Convener to obtain more clarity around the ETRO (experimental traffic regulation order) process. He confirmed that the planned implementation date for the option 3A design is January 2026, followed by a six-month residents’ feedback period and two reports to Council committees.

The first report will go the Transport & Environment Committee (TEC) in June 2026 and will cover traffic monitoring and evaluation results. This report will not include the feedback from residents to the ETRO. Should the TEC decide to alter the layout in response to the monitoring and evaluation information presented, this would initiate another six-month feedback period on the altered layout, although the original 18-month maximum duration of the ETRO would not be extended.

The second report will be taken to the TRO Sub-Committee near the end of the 18-month period. It will set out residents’ responses to the ETRO and a recommendation from officers on whether or not to retain the measures permanently. Making the Order permanent is purely an administrative process and there is no requirement to promote a further TRO or undertake another statutory consultation process. 

Details of the scheme changes are available here.

Changes proposed to Bin Hubs in Zones 7 & 8, S1, S2 & S3

The Council is moving or adding bin hubs in Marchmont, Bruntsfield, Merchiston and Morningside. Check out the proposals at consultation.appyway.com/edinburgh-city by following the link to “Proposals in consultation” under reference TRO/25/03. The deadline for feedback is 5 December 2025. Alternatively, you can view the documents free of charge at Waverley Court Reception between 9:30 & 15:30 Monday to Friday.

Canal bridges weight assessments

Council officers have provided an explanation of the decision to impose a weight restriction on the Harrison Road canal bridge and also commented on the condition of the Yeaman Place canal bridge.

“Following recent structural assessments, the bridge was found to have insufficient capacity to safely carry unrestricted highway loading. In particular, the analysis indicated that the internal cast iron beams are overstressed under modern 40-tonne vehicle loads. Given the brittle nature of cast iron and the potential risk of damage, we decided to close Harrison Canal Bridge and carry out some NDT (Non-destructive testing) as cracks had appeared on the Harrison Road Bridge, essentially the same construction.

A number of strengthening options have been explored; however, these present significant engineering, cost and programme challenges. The bridge is also a listed structure, which adds some complexity and limitations. Strengthening the bridge to 40-tonne highway loading would require extensive alterations to the structure, including intrusive works which could be deemed unacceptable from a heritage perspective.

At this stage, our focus is on developing a strengthening solution that achieves capacity for 7.5 tonnes. This approach balances safety, technical feasibility, heritage constraints and available funding. We are currently awaiting core samples from a testing lab to confirm the material on the buckle plates on the footway, then we can progress with minor strengthening needed to implement the 7.5 tonne signage.

Additionally, to implement the weight restriction on Harrison Road Canal Bridge, the TRO is subject to a statutory consultation phase, which might take additional time to process.

In response to your query on Yeaman Place, whilst the parapets are similar, the bridge decks are very different construction. Yeaman Place Bridge is constructed from wrought iron beams, whereas the structures carrying Harrison Road are constructed from earlier cast iron beams. The capacity of Yeaman Place Bridge has been assessed, and was found to be capable of carrying full highway loading.”

Update on the extended pavement opposite Waitrose

I have also received, via the Council’s Transport Convener, an update on progress with the project to make the extended pavement opposite Waitrose permanent. Council officers have confirmed that the Traffic Orders process is to commence shortly. The exact delivery timeframe is unclear at this stage and will be dependent on the Traffic Order process, and other influencing factors. However, they anticipate that the planned works will be delivered at the earliest opportunity in 2026/27. These works are expected to include the removal of one parking space outside the Old School House, the renewal of the pedestrian crossing and of the raised tables at the junctions of Morningside Road with Falcon Avenue, Steel’s Place and Abbotsford Park.

Astley Ainslie draft Local Place plan

A draft of the Local Place plan for Astley Ainslie has been prepared by the Community Trust and is available on their website here.

Edinburgh’s Night Time Economy

The Council is seeking views on how people live, work and spend time in the city between 6pm and 6am. The comments deadline is 4 December. The consultation can be found here.

Fountainbridge major development planned

A developer has submitted a PAN notice in advance of an application for planning permission for a site near 199 Fountainbridge proposing a hotel, student accommodation, business centre facilities, a gym, restaurant, café and a bar. Public consultation events will be held at the Printmakers, Castle Mills, 1 Dundee Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9FP on Monday 8th December 2025 between 15:00 - 19:00 and Monday 26th January 2026 between 15:00 - 19:00. The PAN can be viewed on the Council’s Planning portal under reference 25/06023/PAN here.