Baffled Edinburgh locals have been left scratching their heads at the latest council traffic measure to pop up on their street.
Edinburgh Live reported how the busy through road of Featherhall Crescent, Corstorphine was closed to traffic almost three months ago to make way for an area of seating and plants. The distinctive road design - part of an 18-month trial - attracted a mixed reaction with some dubbing it 'Mr Blobby Park'.
Now new plastic pencil bollards have been installed either side of the so-called 'pocket park' - sparking more debate among neighbours. So Edinburgh Live ventured back to Corstorphine to chat to locals about their views.
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Ross Downie, 41, lives very close to the zone. He said: "I just think it is encouraging a kids activity area and forcing all of the traffic beside it.
"It is not very classy. It is cheap and nasty looking and I think it brings the area down. I just think if they want to close the road then do that with standard bollards and don't have this."
Passerby Alice, 29, said that she thinks it is a good idea and went onto talk about the area. She added: "I think it looks good, I do not normally come this way but I I think if it another green area in the city that is great.
"I suppose looking at the bollards they are a little bit different if you are standing here but they would have been put here for safety."
Local resident David Smith has reservations about the pocket park that cost £55,000 and was funded by cycling charity Sustrans. He said: "I don't like them at all. I think it brings down the area and I think it will be a magnet for loitering about later on in the summertime.
"I do also think it is a waste of money. However, I am a fan of the bollards but that is from a selfish point of view because it has stopped the rat running but I have not met anyone who has been in favour of this yet."
Driver Tammy, 29, praised the initiatives for clamping down on rat running.
She went onto say: "As a driver i think it is a good thing, you don't have to go detours in certain areas but it is good to have areas people can walk through.
"Edinburgh is a city so, the greener the better but I am unsure about the pencils."
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Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Right now we’re putting the finishing touches to the first phase of construction work on Corstorphine Connections, through which we aim to calm and reduce traffic in the area, creating a much safer and more pleasant time for people to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in.
“The latest measures, which follow significant public consultation, build on initial changes, including limiting traffic on Featherhall Crescent and introducing road markings, planters and seating so people can pause and socialise.
“I know this is a big adjustment for many people living in Corstorphine, and we’re continuing to listen to them as part of our Experimental Traffic Regulation Order process. However, I’ve already heard from many people, in particular parents, who are pleased with the changes, which make it much safer for their children to travel to school.
“This summer we’ll carry the final phase of construction, which will see footway widening and crossing improvements introduced, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these will have.”
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