Sighs of relief in Leith as traffic restrictions removed

Published on Monday 12 April 2010 09:57

TRADERS in Leith are today set to welcome traffic back to Constitution Street for the first time in almost two years.

Lothian Buses will resume services to the street, which had already been partially reopened late last year to give local businesses respite from the effects of the tram works.

Shops in Leith have been among the worse-affected by the tram works, which first began in the area back in 2008.

Despite a business support scheme, traders have suffered due to the double whammy of the recession and the reduction in passing trade caused by the works.

Sara Morgan, manager of Carolyn Designer Florist, said she hoped the return of traffic would provide a welcome shot in the arm for businesses.

She said: "It's definitely long overdue. It really will make a difference to us due to the passing trade and the parking restrictions being lifted.

"It's been really difficult during the works. Apart from trying to get deliveries in, people have been going elsewhere and Leith in general has suffered."

The reopening of the street comes after drivers and pedestrians were told they would win a respite from the tram works.

Traffic diversions around Haymarket and barriers across Leith Walk are being removed because of the ongoing dispute with German contractor Bilfinger Berger, which has delayed track laying.

Over the weekend, traffic management along Haymarket Terrace changed to allow eastbound access to buses, taxis and cyclists on to Clifton Terrace and through the Haymarket junction.

In a briefing on the trams, city leader Jenny Dawe said the disruption caused to businesses could not be allowed to continue.

She said: "The disruption that traffic management measures cause around inactive sites cannot continue. TIE is now suggesting to the council that, where possible, these measures be suspended to return the city to normal.

"The principal areas affected are around Haymarket and Shandwick Place. A review of Leith Walk and other areas where safety barriers are currently in place has led to a decision that, wherever possible, barriers will be replaced by a less obtrusive interim solution."

Last week it emerged that traffic lights installed to improve road safety as part of the tram project had not yet been switched on, despite being in place for seven months.

The pedestrian crossing was installed on Broomhouse Drive to replace a traffic island which was removed in November 2008 as part of diversions for the city's tram works.