Total Closure Of Portobello Promenade

Post by **wangi** » 04 Jun 2004, 23:23

Got a letter through the door tonight with the above subject (all caps). Main thrust (i'm not going to type it in!) is that the recent installation of gates at both ends is a safety hazard and was put in place without proper consultation.

Various good points made, however would have to disagree with "there has been no abuse made by private cars" - on a sunny weekend many a folk try to (and indeed did) park on Esplanade Terrace...

Anyone else receive this, and what's your opinion?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 05 Jun 2004, 09:26

I wasn't aware that the gates were already in place but will check it out this morning. Would be very interested to see the full text of the letter from the Council to local residents and also the full text of the letter of objection you refer to.

I believe the original plan had been to have only 2 points of access, from either end of the Prom. However, from the article in the Reporter, it now appears that there will also be lockable gates at John Street and Pittville Street.

I am quite sure that emergency services will have been fully consulted on this matter. Clearly, there has been unauthorised vehicular use of the Promenade and these measures are designed to prevent this. I am equally sure that procedures are in place to allow local residents legitimate access when required

There is a meeting of the Portobello Working Group (which has been responsible for a whole range of improvements to the Prom over the last year or so) on 28 June and this item will certainly be discussed. In the meantime I am hopeful that we can get some input on this topic from Richard Barclay.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 05 Jun 2004, 10:19

How do people living on the prom get deliveries of large items..? Are removal/delivery vans allowed on the prom, or is there access from the back of the houses?

Post by **wangi** » 07 Jun 2004, 13:12

Well I never saw a letter to residents from the council...

And here goes...

Dear Sir or Madam

TOTAL CLOSURE OF PORTOBELLO PROMENADE

Without notification or consultation with the residents the Council has seen fit to close off the Prom to all vehicles. This is tantamount to thoughtless dictatorial bureaucratic nonsense. And it is dangerous!

Supposedly only certain vehicles will get a key for acccess. Presumably this will be the Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulances. The presumption being that each and every one of those vehicles that might suddenly need urgent access, will have a key with it, never mind the delays involved. And then there is a need to serve people on the Prom, beach or in the water. The Coastguard needs access. What about the emergency Gas-, Water- Electricity and Telephone services. What about Postal parcels, calls for emergency private contractors or goods-deliveries, tradsmen, a taxi for an invalid, your Grannie or yourself when you have something heavy you need to get to your front-door.

Consultation is supposed to have taken place, exept with those personally invollved, i.e. the hundreds of residents. There has ben no abuse made by private cars.

Your property and safety i put at a peril!

Some years ago the gates at the Joppa end were closed with a chain and padlock, but just a quickly removed when someone managed to talk sense into the head of the Council-person involved.

There have been two fires in Joppa Park alone where fire engines could get no access and had to real out hoses from Morton Street. Subsequently fire-hydrants were installed along the Prom.

It is believed that the "NETWORK" Dept., Kings' Stables Road, Edinburgh EH1 is involved.

Councillors have been consulted........acording to the Portobello Reporter. You can put your complaint to the Police, any of the the above Services, or you will know who to tackle from the many Voting Pamphlets put through your door.

PASS THE MESSAGE ON!

[ I've not edited/corrected the text in any way... ]

L.

bellybabe · Post by **bellybabe** » 07 Jun 2004, 16:59

Interestingly, after dinner with friends who live on the prom at the Joppa end on Friday, we awaited a taxi on Bedford Terrace (I know, I know, a taxi home seems ridiculous but wait!) only to find it eventually arrive actually on the prom, much to our shock! This was because I had that evening badly sprained my ankle (otherwise I definitely wouldn't have needed a taxi), and in calling the taxi firm they'd mentioned my foot, and the driver thought he was being kind in coming right to the house on the prom. I don't know where he'd got onto the prom, but he then found it very difficult to get back out, because of all the new barriers. I appreciated his kindness, but was pretty stunned that he'd come along the prom in the first place as it's not allowed.

Alix · Post by **Alix** » 09 Jun 2004, 10:53

No, I wasn't consulted or even informed either.
Thought it very high-handed.
I don't wish to live in a "Gated Community", & the only really dangerous driving on the prom I have experienced is by speeding CYCLISTS who won't be impeded by the gates at all. Taxis, tradesmen, post vans, removal vans, deliveries, police cars, ambulances, hearses, have all been considerate drivers & parkers. We live & let live.
Set me free!
Alix Gaffney

Post by **wangi** » 09 Jun 2004, 11:24

I've fired off an email to the news desk at the Evening News regarding this.

When the police drive down the Prom from the Joppa end they're not even bothering to unlock and open the gates - they're simply mounting the pavement at Joppa Road and driving down it!

It's not unknown for kids to bolt out of the takeaway!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 09 Jun 2004, 16:53

I have received the following response from Graeme Paget of City Dev:

As you will be aware, the prom is being used increasingly by unauthorised vehicles. In addition to some 'joy-riding' problems reported by the Police, some residents / businesses now utilise the prom for access to their properties and they now appear to think that they have some kind of rights to do so.

This subject will no doubt be discussed thoroughly at the Portobello Community Council meeting on 28th June so all I should say at this point is this:-

The prom is a footway and as such, was not constructed to carry vehicular traffic.

Only authorised vehicles (maintenance vehicles) should be accessing the prom.

Signs were erected many years ago to inform everyone of this but these deteriorated and were never replaced.

The access point at Pipe Street has now been removed due to anti-social behavioural problems.

All other access points will remain but the intention is that they should be locked where not in use by an authorised vehicles (ie . maintenance vehicles).

A list of key holders will be produced and distributed to all concerned.

Residents will not be given keys for these gates.

Consideration may be given to allow temporary access for deliveries etc, but this has still to be decided / discussed at the next PCC meeting.

The Emergency Services have, and still are being consulted in this matter.
I hope this clarifies some points raised. If there is anything in particular that you need to know, don't hesitate to contact me.

Regards

Graeme Paget
City of Edinburgh Council
City Development Department - Transport
Network Services - North Area
Tel: 0131 529 3718
Fax: 0131 529 3769

Post by **wangi** » 05 Jul 2004, 12:54

From the meeting on the 28th...

MAUREEN CHILD wrote:Promenade Access

I haven't seen it, but I hear that an anonymous letter was shoved through Esplanade Terrace doors very critical of the gates and bollards, which the Council reinstated to deny unauthorised vehicle access to the Promenade. One or two people seem to think that they are authorised to drive on the Prom if they live there, but not so. The gates re-enforce the status quo. The Prom is no place for private or commercial vehicles. I am assured that emergency vehicles can still gain access and residents can get access for delivery vehicles - if they ask for Council permission in advance.

Post by **wangi** » 13 Jul 2004, 09:59

Well that's the gates knackered then, the metal tubing is far too thin and the founds far too shallow - took too little time for the kids to break them using it as a swing!

Of course had anyone who opened the gates bothered to even close them... And you still have the folk who should know better (i.e. the police) mounting the pavement rather than bothering wth the gates at all...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 13 Jul 2004, 13:15

Wangi, thanks for highlighting this problem. This is really disappointing news and I have brought it to the attention of the various departments concerned. Nowadays, everything has to be designed to be vandal-proof and clearly this has not been the case here.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 13 Jul 2004, 13:42

I saw the sad state of these gates on a walk along the Prom last Sunday.

Although the new posts that adorn the Prom appear to be very stoutly made, they are in fact some sort of decorative resin around a much smaller metal core. If you want to see what I mean have a look at one that has been decapitated. It's right beside one of the developer's containers (for the new "carbuncle") by "The Old Pier".

Gemini · Post by **Gemini** » 13 Jul 2004, 17:06

I think that gates (a bit more substantial than ones in situ) are a good idea.
A few weeks ago, I was contemplating contacting the CEC to have traffic lights put on the Prom. due to the amount of vehicles.

Still a problem with cyclists though.

Post by **wangi** » 13 Jul 2004, 17:25

What would be better is the remote-control bollards they have in pedestrianised zones in many city centres (for some reason Colchester and Belfast come to mind). This would give fast access for frequent users (emptying of bins, police, coastguard (not seen them since the gate went in)) and workable access for bulky deliveries to residents (via a talk panel).

But what's really annoyed me about all this is the lack of consideration from the Council towards residents. Zilch communication, and reports from the council meeting:

MAUREEN CHILD wrote: I haven't seen it, but I hear that an anonymous letter was shoved through Esplanade Terrace doors very critical of the gates and bollards, which the Council reinstated to deny unauthorised vehicle access to the Promenade. One or two people seem to think that they are authorised to drive on the Prom if they live there, but not so. The gates re-enforce the status quo. The Prom is no place for private or commercial vehicles. I am assured that emergency vehicles can still gain access and residents can get access for delivery vehicles - if they ask for Council permission in advance.

are in quite an aggressive tone. Of course none of the residents know of this info, or who in the council to contact. Will the council arrange for the gate to be open from 0800 to 1800 - this is becoming the sort of time window you get for deliveries these days...

And for the records i'm for some sort of gate, but not one that is an eye-sore (as it is currently), poorly thought through (wrong materials, poor workmanship), unsafe (police on pavement) and isn't workable for the residents behind it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 13 Jul 2004, 17:27

I've just been to have a look myself at the damage. For one thing the posts hadn't yet been properly sealed in to the Promenade surface, and secondly there is as yet no means of locking them. This being the case, it seems to have been a little premature to hang the gates. I am also very concerned that without the gates being locked they could quite easily be lifted off their hinges, particularly the ones at the foot of James Street.

As an invited member of the Portobello Working Group responsible for the Promenade upgrade programme I can tell you that I am NOT impressed with this and will be making my views known to the appropriate authorities.

Post by **wangi** » 13 Jul 2004, 17:39

Bob, there was a padlock on the gates for a while, but I can only guess the council workers got too sick of hanging around for hours waiting for a key as was the case!

With that padlock on I was definitely not assured of emergency vehicle access (short of a fire engine ramming or removing the gate)...

EDIT: I forwarded a link to this topic to Maureen Child asking for her opinion, however it looks as if she's off on leave till the 22nd.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 13 Jul 2004, 17:46

I think the whole thing has been badly thought out. Lots of places have automatic barriers that allow authorised vehicles in and keep others out and I don't see why something of this type could not have been installed. BTW I don't think that an emergency vehicle would have much problem ramming the gate if a few kids were able to break it!

Post by **wangi** » 23 Jul 2004, 18:59

Sent a few emails to Maureen, the most recent suggesting the removal of the current, unsafe, gates until a proper solution/repair can be made.

Coming home from work tonight I noticed the gates at the Joppa Rd end have now been removed, although who knows - this might just be because of this weekends triathalon?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 18 Sep 2005, 21:49

A year and a bit later and still no replacement gates. But, I understand that, although the Promenade Improvements budget is now spent, this matter will be resolved.

The new gates have been ordered and hopefully should be installed soon. Let's hope they last a bit longer this time!

Imagine the disappointment on the faces of the jet ski guys when they turn up in their 4WD to find the Prom all locked up.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 18 Sep 2005, 21:51

How very unChristian of you Mr J

Robin! · Post by **Robin!** » 19 Sep 2005, 17:05

Bad idea, those vital seconds in having to open the gates to reach an emergency could make all the difference.

I'll bet you'll get less police car patrols once the gates are locked.

ceejam · Post by **ceejam** » 22 Sep 2005, 14:26

And as far as I'm aware, they only stop acces to the PROM, not the beach!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 20 Apr 2006, 14:04

From today's EN:

Padlocks to stop cars driving along Portobello promenade

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 20 Apr 2006, 14:34

The article lists various 'misuses' - and I can add using the Prom for doing three point turns! I've been here for nearly 5 years and the number of vehicles using the Prom irresponsibly got worse and worse after the old gates went.

sample808 · Post by **sample808** » 17 May 2006, 14:02

Robin! wrote:I'll bet you'll get less police car patrols once the gates are locked.

the police should be setting an example and performing their patrols on foot!

i don't really understand the issue here, apart from a select few, there should be no vehicles on the promenade and locked gates are the obviously the best way to do this (a sad fact of modern life, people don't really heed signs anymore - see the "no cycling" signs dotted everywhere along the prom).

there appears to be a perfectly adequate access road for all of the houses along the prom which runs along the back of these houses. bin lorries seem to be able to get down there. therefore a fire tender should have no problems either.

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