Stop playing Simcity with capital transport overhaul, say critics
Opponents have called on transport chiefs to “avoid playing a game of Simcity with the city centre” over radical proposals to change how people move about Edinburgh.
Last week the city council revealed its ten-year vision to over haul the city centre, including a tram loop, a new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians over the Waverley Valley and a lower volume of buses stopping on Princes Street.
The draft strategy, which is yet to be costed, also includes gradually reducing parking in the city centre and four lifts to help people move between the Old Town’s two levels. Waverley Bridge, which is served by taxis and airport buses, would also be closed to traffic and turned into a plaza.
Conservative opponents on the city council said they would not oppose the public having their say on the proposals, but have issued a warning over the impact the plans, as they stand, could have on city centre businesses. Lothian Buses have already stated the changes are “likely to have a substantial impact on our current operations and finances”.
Conservative transport spokesperson Councillor Nick Cook said :“Cons ervatives support practical, realistic improvements to how people move around and enjoy our world-class city centre in the 21st century.
“While we won’t oppose public consultation on the SNP/ Labour administration’s proposals, the council must avoid playing a game of ‘Simcit y’ with the city centre that will have significant consequences for Edinburgh’s economy.”
Under the city centre transformation proposals, a longer stretch of the Royal Mile is set to close to traffic, along with Victoria Street and Cockburn Street. More priority would be given to pedestrian sand cyclists in the city centre.
Mr Cook said: “While the city centre transformation promises ‘radical’ change, ideas like a largely pedestrianised Royal Mile have actually been bandied about for over a decade with cross-party support.
“But others, such as the closure of Waverley Bridge and vastly reduced traffic capacity on Lothian Road, are far less practical and could have a hugely negative economic impact on the city economy, inconvenience working people and visitors, as well cre - ate operational pressures and financial difficulties for Lothian Buses.”
Responding to the claims, transport and environment convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, welcomed crossparty support for proposal sf or the Royal Mile. She said: “These exciting proposals for the transformation of Edinburgh’ s city centre have received support from organisations across the country for their bold and innovative nature, so I find claims that they are not radical enough quite remarkable.”