A breath of fresh air from the old tunnel

Edinburgh is at the heart of a region of more than one million people.

The population is expected to grow rapidly over the next 20 years, bringing more traffic and associated air pollution. So what is being done now to tackle this?

On yer bike

After being closed for 40 years, the Rodney Street tunnel at Canonmills re-opened in April, filling a missing link on the cycle route. The 165m long tunnel gives pedestrians and cyclists access to the extensive North Edinburgh Path Network from the King George V Park in Canonmills. The project has enabled National Cycle Network Route 75 (Gourock to Leith) to now safely avoid traffic at the busy Rodney Street and Broughton Road junction.

Looking for somewhere free and secure to park your bike in the city centre? Greenside Row car park off the very top of Leith Walk has 40 secure bike racks. The £1 deposit for the lock is returnable at the end of your stay.

Share your ride

Ever considered giving up your household’s second car or surviving without one altogether? Both are now possible thanks to the services of the City Car Club. Research indicates that each vehicle provided by the club removes the need for between five and eight privately owned vehicles.

The scheme helps reduce the number of vehicles on street and offers businesses a green, cost-saving alternative to fleet vehicle arrangements.

Cleaner buses

Since 2000, Lothian buses has been steadily replacing its old fleet with new, low-floor buses and is on target to be servicing all routes with these by the end of 2009. The project aims to ensure buses maximise engine performance, fuel use and ensures the best possible cleanliness of gases emitted. The project has evolved along European standards, with the newest buses being the higher end Euro 5 specification.

Off the road, other initiatives include investigating use of rain water for bus washing and utilising correct sources for disposal or re-refining of engine oils. 

Park and ride

There are seven park and rides operating in and around Edinburgh: Ingliston, Hermiston, Straiton, Sheriffhall, Wallyford, Newcraighall and Ferrytoll (Fife). Parking is free and secure (except Newcraighall which costs 50p for 24 hours). The Council will continue to work with transport providers to identify and develop new sites.

Trams

Powered by electricity, trams will result in reduction of pollution and noise for the city. The electricity supplier agreement for the trams will be decided later this year and environmentally friendly energy sources, as well as cost, will be the primary evaluation criteria.