Following months of traffic monitoring since Edinburgh Trams started running down Leith Walk, the left hand turn from Leith Walk onto London Road will be reinstated, if councillors agree next week.
This will be achieved by way of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), and it is hoped it will alleviate congestion. The present arrangement of blocking the left hand turn forces traffic onto the Picardy Place roundabout which is adding to congestion.
Officers have found about 10 seconds from the traffic light sequence which will allow this move. In 2020 the ban was introduced to allow for a single phase pedestrian crossing. While the single phase can be maintained officers have now modelled a solution which will allow traffic to veer off Leith Walk before arriving at the roundabout. It is hoped that the change will “benefit the overall operation of Picardy Place.
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It was important for us to give the successful new tram line to Newhaven time to bed in, and, as with any major transport infrastructure project we continued to review the traffic management arrangements in the area.
“After this monitoring process, and in response to public feedback and discussions with Lothian Buses, we’re proposing to re-introduce the left hand turn from Leith Walk onto London Road. Importantly thanks to the plans we’re also maintaining single phase crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists crossing over from London Road.
“The overall positive impact of these changes will support Lothian Buses and their operations while also easing congestion in and around Picardy Place and associated streets.
“The previous Transport and Environment Committee made the decision to close the turn in good faith some time ago, but it is now clear the prohibition has been detrimental to the flow of public transport through the area.”
If the plans are approved next week then the statutory process will begin under the Trams to Newhaven Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.
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