Galashiels inner relief road and town centre traffic management programme

Roads in Galashiels are likely to come under increased pressure in the future. The number of private cars is set to double over the next 15 to 20 years.

This, combined with shopping, business and housing developments in Galashiels and the Borders as a whole, it will significantly increase traffic in the town and cause conflict between vehicles and pedestrians, particularly at crossing points in the main shopping areas.

Through traffic does not contribute significantly to local businesses or to local retail sales. The removal of this traffic from the town centre area will free up space for local traffic and pedestrians and allow environmental improvements for residents and shoppers.

Revisions to the internal road network are necessary, in conjunction with the Inner Relief Road, in order to realise the full community benefits of these improvements.

The reintroduction of the Borders Railway to Galashiels will provide the opportunity for us to make it possible link up all forms of transport in the town. It is vital for the future of the Borders that the region should be re-connected to the national railway network to stimulate growth and make the Border economy sustainable. 

Travellers will need easy access to railways and connectivity with other modes of public transport via a proposed transport "interchange" in Stirling Street. A transport interchange is a facility to allow for co-ordinated changes in methods of travel, for example from rail to bus, taxi, car pick up, cycling and walking, so that the Borders is an easy destination to visit and explore.

We are considering different traffic management options for the town to allow existing roads to cope with these links for public transport and cater for increased traffic.

What forms of consultation are used to involve the community?

A Roads Consultation Group has been formed with local Councillors, representatives from the Galashiels and Langlee Community Council, Chamber of Trade, Lothian and Borders Police, resident representative, Galashiels Academy, bus companies and taxi drivers. 

The purpose of the group is to gain a community input to the developments and the members form a link between the public and the project team.  Meetings are being held with the Roads Consultation Group on a bi-monthly basis.

Direct community input is gained via the project team organising road shows and questionnaires for the individual phases.