West Lothian Council wants as many local people as possible to respond to a crucial survey on the controversial Spaces for People programme introduced during last year’s lockdown.
Spaces for People (SfP) was designed as a temporary measure during the pandemic with the two pronged approach of encouraging people outside for exercise and promoting safer and more sustainable travel. It was promoted by the Scottish Government.
However some elements- including 20mph zones and bus stops stretched out into the middle of already busy town centre roads- drew down a barrage of criticism on the minority led Labour administration in West Lothian Council.
Core to the complaint was that while all councillors supported the introduction of SfP, they did so without knowing what the details - including the 20mph zones- would be. Consequently their mail in-boxes and surgeries have been filled with disgruntled constituents complaints.
This new survey gives the public a chance to share their views on whether temporary measures such as reduced 20mph and 40mph speed limits and new cycle lanes should be kept.
Funded by the Scottish Government’s Spaces for People programme, other measures included wider footways and parking suspensions.
The two-month consultation has been launched from 1 December to ask for views of the public and community groups on whether some or all of the Spaces for People measures should be retained after the temporary period.
To take part in the consultation, visit https://www.surveyhero.com/s/Spaces_for_People_Consultation.
A spokesperson for the Council said: “We would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation and share their views on whether the temporary Spaces for People measures should be retained.
“We understand some local residents have strong views on the measures such as 20mph and 40mph speed limits and new cycle lanes, and completing the survey will make sure your views are considered.
“All responses will be included in a report to a meeting of the full West Lothian Council in March 2022, where elected members will vote on whether the range of measures are to be kept.”
