Edinburgh locals have under 24 hours left to give opinion on controversial Spaces for People plans

Edinburgh locals now have less than 24 hours to give their opinion on the council’s ‘Spaces for People’ scheme.

The initiative was brought in during lockdown last year, and saw a number of roads pedestrianised, cycle lanes added and pavements widened to allow for social distancing.

Over the last year, different sections of the city have been affected in stages, with some of the first areas Waverley bridge and Victoria Street.

However, as some measures have been introduced, the scheme has caused controversy, with some residents left upset at features such as floating bus stops and reduced parking.

In defiance of some of the rules, cars have been seen parking in cycle lanes or in marked off zones, with even a Royal Mail van having to stop in a no-car zone to make deliveries.

Initially introduced as a ‘temporary’ scheme, the City of Edinburgh Council recently announced that they hope to make some of the measures permanent.

Justifying their decisions, the council have said some of the measures will help Edinburgh achieve a more green city with improved road safety.

It comes as council plans have also detailed ideas to pedestrianise George Street, with car parking spaces to be replaced with seating areas and extended pavements.

However, after the announcement a consultation was launched to understand the views of local residents.

After being open for weeks, the consultation will close at midnight on Monday (April 5), with an official decision from the council to follow.

To give your opinion before the link closes, you can find the form here.