Edinburgh – Councillors in the Scottish capital are considering a strategy for Edinburgh’s residents to meet their daily needs in a 20-minute round trip on foot, bike or public transport. The concept of so-called 20-minute neighbourhoods has already been adopted in Paris and Melbourne.

Members of the Policy and Sustainability Committee in Edinburgh are considering a strategy for residents to meet their daily needs within 20 minutes of their homes by walking, cycling or taking public transport, according to a government statement. 

The goal is to help people become more active and improve their physical and mental health. At the same time, the scheme would reduce traffic, improve air quality and support local shops and businesses. 

“We want services in town centres, as set out in the City Plan 2030. Still, we also want to consider where our most vulnerable residents live and our more rural residents' needs. This will support our community plan's 'a good place to live' priority,” writes the statement.

The aim is to work toward a model of 20-minute neighbourhoods across the city in a phased programme over 10 years. If approved, the first phase will start with city wide engagement and community dialogue later in 2021.