Routes across Scotland have changed since the first lockdown in 2020. Thanks to funding provided to local authorities through the Scottish Government’s Spaces for People program.
Active travel was promoted in cities, creating space for more people to walk or cycle rather than drive or use public transportation, but these measures were not always welcomed.
But how does the system work, what are the expected benefits, and is it likely to continue?
Posted in joking spaces for the people of Scotland?
a file Support for the Scottish government The program aims to promote active travel such as walking and cycling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since there are fewer cars on the roads, it was decided that it was time to experiment with the changes to the road network.
It is also thought to facilitate social distancing.
Changes such as bike lanes, reduced speed limits and walking are among the measures that have been put in place to achieve this.
They are sometimes called low-traffic neighborhoods
The infrastructure is supposed to be temporary, but as we have seen in Dundee, local authorities can make it permanent.
How it works?
The funds were provided by the Scottish government and The project is managed by Sustrans Scotland.
Councils across Scotland have put forward a proposal of funding that outlines the changes they plan to make. The NHS Health Boards have also been allowed to file claims.
Then, Sustrans will reward money based on the pitch.
Around £ 30m in financing for people spaces has been split between local authorities.
Bike routes and 20 miles per hour areas quickly appear in towns and cities across Scotland.
In Dundee, this included 20 mph developed in West End, Prote Ferry, Douglas and Ventry. Al Ittihad Street in the city center used to be a pedestrian zone.
Similar programs have been made available in England and Wales, sometimes under the banner of “Places for People”.
What was the reaction?
Mixed, to say the least.
Cyclic activists and environmental campaigns are largely favorable, and advocate for environmental benefits.
Local officials also tend to bolster funding as incentives for pedestrians and cyclists.
However, actual implementation work has been criticized in some places.
Residents of areas like the Strawberry Bank in Dundee attacked what was considered a design flaw. They claimed that the magnificent pass was “stolen” by a circular shield plotted on a 20-mph route.
Dundee City Council agreed quickly and he peeled off the paint.
In Fife, controversy arose over the use of roadblocks in St Andrews and Krill.
