The trouble with trams...

Published on Wednesday 18 February 2009 20:57

Scott McIntosh (Letters, 11 February) is clearly a strong supporter of the proposed tram scheme in Edinburgh and seeks to dismiss objections as irrelevant. Like all transport systems, it has advantages and disadvantages, so to ridicule comments is very much a head-in-the-sand approach.

Yes, trams require only one overhead wire in each direction, but these wires require supporting cables fastened to additional substantial posts beside the road – or they may be supported by cables secured to nearby buildings in some locations. The latter option requires the consent of the owner, which is sometimes impossible to obtain.

The other point raised by Mr McIntosh concerned the problems of breakdowns; my plea was for a recognition of the need for flexibility, and this is where trams are, by their nature, restricted. We have had Princes Street closed so the emergency services could deal with a major fire and it was easy to divert the buses. However, a tram system would have been halted. It will be interesting to see how well trams operate with other distractions such as the Hogmanay celebrations, Festival Cavalcade, marches and demonstrations.

ALLAN ALSTEAD

Moray Place

Edinburgh