Petition Against the Proposed A7 Corridor Changes

To be clear, we Support a Cycle path, but it should be segregated from our congested road network to allow for road expansion. 

Midlothian has been one of the fastest growing counties in Scotland with Zero investment in our road infrastructure.

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We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the proposed alterations to the A7 corridor between Sheriffhall Park and Ride and Main Street, Newtongrange, which focus on introducing dedicated walking, wheeling, and cycling lanes.

This proposal, which prioritises cycling and active travel infrastructure, is being imposed on the community despite widespread opposition. The council is pushing an agenda that does not reflect the views of the majority of local residents and road users. The A7 is a crucial arterial route for vehicle traffic, and the proposed changes risk causing significant disruption, congestion, and inconvenience for thousands of daily commuters.

This follows a pattern of decision-making that disregards public opinion. The recent enforcement of a blanket 20mph speed limit across Midlothian, despite strong opposition, is another example of the council ignoring the will of the people. This policy has caused frustration among drivers, increased journey times, and done little to improve road safety—yet the council proceeded with it regardless.

Our key concerns are as follows:

Disregard for Public Opinion – The council is advancing this project despite clear concerns from the majority of residents, drivers, and local businesses. This decision is being made without properly considering the impact on those who rely on this essential route for daily travel.

Lack of Appetite to Cycle – Adding cycle lanes along the A7 will benefit only a small number of cyclists, many of whom are unlikely to use the infrastructure regularly due to Scotland’s challenging weather and the distances involved.  Prioritising cycle lanes over more urgent transport needs serves a minority interest at the expense of the majority.

The Need for Road Expansion, Not Reduction – The A7 is a key route for thousands of drivers and currently one of the only routes through the area with minimal restrictions to traffic flow. Instead of reducing capacity by introducing cycle lanes, the road should be expanded to a dual carriageway to meet the growing demand for vehicle travel. The current proposal risks worsening traffic congestion and delays, negatively impacting commuters, local businesses, and the wider community.

Ineffectiveness of Similar Initiatives – Previous initiatives, such as the Spaces for People cycle lanes introduced in Edinburgh during the COVID-19 pandemic, have seen minimal use and have only added to traffic congestion. These failed schemes demonstrate that such measures are not the right solution for the majority of people in the area.

Environmental Concerns - Increased congestion from lane reduction would lead to higher vehicle emissions, worsening air quality.
A well-flowing road network is often more environmentally efficient than stop-start traffic.

Consultation is Unfair - Survey Fails to Ask Residents if they oppose the scheme as a whole, and instead asks what options they prefer

https://midlothiancouncil.citizenspace.com/communications/a7-sustainable-transport-corridor-consultation/

We demand that Midlothian Council:

1. Halt the current plans for cycle lanes and active travel infrastructure along the A7 corridor, and listen to the concerns of the majority of residents and road users.

2. Focus on expanding the A7 into a dual carriageway to ease congestion and improve traffic flow, benefiting thousands of commuters and businesses.

3. Conduct a more inclusive consultation process to ensure that the needs of all road users are properly considered before any final decisions are made.

4. Ensure all future active travel routes are independent of our road network and critical infrastructure. 

Sign this petition if you believe that the A7 should be expanded to better serve the needs of the majority, rather than reduced in capacity for a small group of cyclists.

It’s time for the council to listen to the people it represents.

Examples of Proposed Changes

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Example of junction changes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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