An East Lothian resident has started a fundraiser to oppose the major re-development of a notorious junction on the Edinburgh bypass.
Located on the outskirts of Dalkeith, the congested Sheriffhall roundabout is the focus of £120m redevelopment plans by Transport Scotland. This six-way junction often causes misery for motorists as they experience significant queuing, especially during peak hours.
A public inquiry into the project is due to start later this month with interest expected to be high given the financial cost and potential environmental impact of the plans.
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One of the organisers of the fundraiser Brett Walker, 73, from North Berwick, is part of the Scottish Greens but is making the objection as a resident. He said: “It is going to cost a lot of money for one scheme at a time when Transport Scotland’s own goal is to reduce car kilometres by 20 percent by 2030.
“We feel could be better spent on public transport and already schemes are coming forward for bus rapid transit. The scheme has an immediate impact on local houses, many of them listed buildings, the Dalkeith Country Park which is going to get more noise and pollution.”
“We are really worried that there are going to be a lot of trees lost” and estimates that there is going to be around 66 acres of “prime farmland lost.”
The fundraising campaign, SHOO (Sheriffhall Overarching Objectors) can be viewed online and has raised nearly £3,000 of the £8,000 targeted to fund opposition to the re-development of the roundabout.
The money raised will go towards a lawyer and an advocate for their campaign with expert Professor Andrew Boswell already producing an extensive report on carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses.
Brett also has grave concerns the re-development would have on the Scottish government's targets on reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases.
Transport and Environment Committee Convener, Scott Arthur said: “I have been clear for some time that the £125m Sherrifhall roundabout upgrade has no place in the Edinburgh City Region Deal – Edinburgh asked for housing. If the SNP/Green Government really does want to upgrade the city bypass this must be done in an open and transparent manner, and they have to explain how it contributes to their plan to reduce traffic in Scotland by 20%.”
The independent inquiry into the redevelopment of Sheriffhall roundabout is due to start on January 30 and is expected to run for two weeks.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “We remain committed to delivering the grade separation of Sheriffhall Roundabout as part of our £300 million commitment to the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal.”
You can get involved in the campaign and donate money to the fundraiser here.
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