Public consultation on plans to extend capital’s tram network

A consultation with businesses and local residents is to open over plans to extend Edinburgh’s tram network as a survey found the vast majority of residents are satisfied with current transport links.

City councillors have been considering a report setting out the case for the estimated £165 million extension to Newhaven, with a decision to be made in the autumn.

Businesses and the public are now to be asked for their views on traffic management and business support plans for the construction period and the outline road layout for Leith Walk and the rest of the route.

It comes as an ongoing inquiry, chaired by retired judge Lord Hardie, examines why the original tram project was significantly over budget and delivered years later than first planned.

Edinburgh City Council transport convener Lesley Macinnes said: “When the outline business case was approved by council in September, we pledged to dedicate the following year or so (ahead of the final decision) to establishing mutually beneficial relationships with local residents and businesses who would be most affected by construction works.

“We’ve been working very closely with the local community and our partners ever since to model traffic management plans and look at options for supporting businesses as much as possible if the project goes ahead.”

The consultation comes as an independent survey found that the vast majority of local residents (91%) are satisfied with current transport provision on Leith Walk but 59% believe extending the tram would benefit the area.

Picture: PA. An engineer clears snow and ice from the tram lines along York Place in Edinburgh last week.