By Marion Guichaoua
A motion will be discussed by the Council this week about the traffic issues created by the tram’s installation and the new traffic lights in the city center.
The council have said: “The council notes with concern that, six months after the start of tram operations, the combination of traffic lights between Leith Street and Waverley Bridge are still causing considerable delays to traffic.
“Further notes that this effect has greatest impact on buses and cyclists but also affects general traffic and, occasionally, trams.
“Considering that long waits for west bound traffic, even for an east bound tram which will not cross the same path, are frustrating for travelers. “
The tram of Edinburgh is a 14-kilometre line between York Place in New town and Edinburgh Airport, with 15 stops.
The line opened on 31 May 2014.
The final cost of the tram is expected to top £1 billion.
Chris Hill, from the City Cycling Edinburgh Forum said: “There are all sorts of issues related to trams – not least people falling off on the tracks, particularly when wet.
“Most concerns about trams and traffic signals have been to do with the long delays caused by the timings. “
Councilor Whyte calls for a report to the Transport & Environment Committee within the two cycles setting out a full solution to this issue.
The council have refused to comment on the issue at this time.
