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Work will shortly start on the introduction of temporary measures to enable safe and appropriate access in and around East Lothian town centres in line with current government guidance.

The measures are focused on protecting public health, supporting social distancing and preventing a second wave of the outbreak.

Environment spokesperson, Cllr Norman Hampshire, said: “ Spaces for People funding has been made available to local authorities to deal with the outcome of the covid-19 pandemic and specifically to assist people as restrictions of movement are gradually eased. These temporary measures are designed to assist the public in maintaining physical distancing, enhance safer movement and access and to promote areas for safe exercise.”

“In response to our consultation on this we received nearly 3,000 contributions with over 750 detailed comments from across the county and we are hoping to implement as many as feasible. Given the requirements to take exercise close to home there has been a huge increase in cycling locally. Many comments received sought opportunities to continue cycling and some changes being made to roads will see the creation of circular cycle routes of 3-5km in each town which can be used by novice cyclists building up confidence to cycle in traffic.”

“Each of the county’s six main towns will see measures introduced but it’s important to emphasise that these are temporary and will remain under review.

The details of the temporary measures include:

Musselburgh

Tranent

Haddington

Prestonpans

Dunbar

North Berwick

In rural locations additional cycle racks will be installed at countryside sites including coastal car parks and new 20mph speed limits will be introduced in all towns.

East Lothian Council has successfully secured £1.4m of funding to introduce a series of temporary changes to streets to improve health and wellbeing so that everyone is able to move around their local area safely as we transition through and out of the Covid-19.

Environment spokesperson, Cllr Norman Hampshire, said: “Spaces for People is a new initiative funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Sustrans Scotland enabling local authorities to introduce temporary measures to provide more space for people to access businesses in our town centres and to exercise whilst observing current physical distancing health guidelines.”

"The £1.4m funding will enable East Lothian Council to introduce a number of temporary measures to our streets as further easing of lockdown restrictions are applied. Many local shops will be able to re-open for business next week and these temporary changes are focused on protecting public health by providing necessary space for continued observance of physical distancing whilst supporting businesses and their customers.”

A staged approach will be taken over the coming weeks and measures to be introduced will include the temporary widening of some footways, 20mph limits, some segregated space for cycling and opportunities for businesses to use pavement space for customer queuing. Some parking spaces within town centres may be temporarily removed during this period but it’s considered that sufficient capacity will be available for expected use.

Cllr Hampshire added: “Whilst planning these new temporary changes we have taken into account the diverse needs of local communities to ensure as much as possible that those with mobility or sight concerns will be as supported as able-bodied individuals. These measures will create space for everyone whether on foot, bike, wheelchair or using prams and buggies and will support the initial stages of local economic recovery.”

By the 31st May we had received around 3000 contributions to the Commonplace website suggesting or endorsing temporary measures to provide additional physical distancing space in public places.

Thanks to everyone who responded.

We've now submitted a £1.4m bid to Transport Scotland’s SfP fund and will share a further update when funding is confirmed.

Thank you for all your comments and for also signing up to receive news from the consultation.

The response so far has been amazing – we have received over 2050 contributions and 530 detailed comments.

The council will be closing the consultation on Sunday 31st May. We’ll then work through the comments submitted with the aim to implement new measures as soon as possible.

There’s still time though to share the consultation with your friends and family using social media.