Plan to extend trams faces a bumpy ride as traders see red

BRIAN DONNELLY

Safety concerns for cyclists have been raised about the tram tracks.

future of Picardy Place and a report is planned on the area at the top of Leith Walk.

The group said: “Picardy Place has long been recognised as a top blackspot for cycling and it is also far below its potential as a central Edinburgh pedestrian place.”

Chas Booth, Edinburgh Greens’ transport spokesman, said the cycle route plans were positive but that the lane would have to be a “high quality, segregated” pathway.

He said: “The case has been made for the extension of the tram to Newhaven but a lot of the detail still needs to be sorted out, in particular, how we learn lessons of the previous scheme and from a cyclist’s perspective that means they have the design right.

“There are lots of good council officers working on the proposals but I will be keeping a close eye on the proposals.”

The designs are part of a the first business case for the £165.2 million development, under which trams will run from York Place Picardy Place to Newhaven by 2022.

The proposals also include the addition of a bus interchange at Picardy Place, an increase in scope of public realm works in Elm Row, and the introduction of the Leith Walk segregated cycleway. Plans include a compensation package for businesses likely to be affected by roadworks.

The council said customer and service access to local businesses would be maintained at all times and crossing points would be put in place.

The report moves towards identifying a potential contractor for the project, with a decision on whether to go ahead with the 2.8-mile extension. THE Edinburgh International Book Festival was brought to an end with a live version of Where’s Wally? as staff donned fancy dress.

The event hosted dozens of primary pupils as writers and illustrators took part in the gala day. Collaborators Chris Higgins and Emily MacKenzie, Ian Billings and Chris White, and Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton helped to entertain the crowds.

The festival’s Baillie Gifford Schools programme, running from Charlotte Square Gardens, included appearances by Sir Chris Hoy, Jenny Colgan and Guy Parker-Rees.