5. To ask the Scottish Government whether it has reviewed the uses to which the spaces for people programme has been put since it was established, and whether this includes safety and cost effectiveness. (S5O-04577)

Spaces for people was established as an emergency response to the Covid-19 outbreak and is enabling local authorities to quickly implement pop-up active travel measures that support physical distancing. Local schemes are the responsibility of individual local authorities. Sustrans is offering support to monitor projects and is working closely with the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland and Transport Scotland to deliver an evaluation of the programme. Local authorities have a legislative duty to ensure road safety in all schemes and are required to follow public procurement processes to ensure value for money.

Across Edinburgh, from the Comiston and Braid roads to East Craigs, residents have been shocked by the random, council-style temporary measures flung on to the streets of our city, leading to unsafe pavements and roads, congestion, increased air pollution, and hazards to the elderly and disabled such as floating bus stops. What will the Scottish Government do to ensure that funds that it provides are used in a less wasteful manner and for properly planned programmes for more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly spaces for people?

Proposals and schemes that are brought forward for local authorities are matters for the local authority, having gone through the process with Sustrans to secure funding for such schemes. Three broad criteria need to be met in dealing with that, and part of it includes addressing disability and access issues. Any matters relating to the schemes that the member makes reference to are for the City of Edinburgh Council.