Tram signs to point the way forward

Published on Friday 18 April 2008 10:31

INFORMATION signs are to be installed along the route of the city's new tram line in a bid to keep residents and traders up to date on the latest developments.

A total of 18 signs will be installed along the Newhaven to airport line over the coming weeks at a cost of about 60,000 as part of moves to keep Edinburgh on the move during the next two years of roadworks.

The 7.5ft by 4ft signs will carry pictures of the trams on the side facing the road, with information for pedestrians on the other.

This will include a map of the tram route, points of contact for traders and residents, and the latest roadwork information for that area. The signs will also feature pictures of staff from tram firm TIE who work in the local area assisting traders and residents.

The move comes after TIE was criticised in recent weeks for the level of signage telling people that businesses on Constitution Street were open as normal.

Tram chiefs today said the signs will help keep Edinburgh moving, and local traders and opposition politicians also welcomed the development.

Willie Gallagher, executive chairman of TIE, said: "As we build the Edinburgh tram project we are committed to informing as many people as possible about what we are doing, where we are doing it and why we are doing it.

"These local area tram information boards are a clear and simple way of informing both residents and visitors to the city about the Edinburgh tram project.

"I appreciate the continued co-operation and support of the local businesses who welcome the information boards and their underlining of the 'open for business' message."

The majority of the new signs will be installed on Leith Walk, with others put up in Constitution Street, St Andrew Square, Princes Street and Shandwick Place.

They will be in place for the lifetime of the tram works and will feature a removable section which will allow the latest information to be displayed.

Richard Dowsett, owner of the Leith Cycle Co on Leith Walk, who is featured on the Leith signs, said: "The signs are a great way of reminding people that there is still a lot going on in Leith.

"Because we have a lot of people moving in and out of Leith all the time, not everyone will be up to speed on what is going on and what shops are available to them here.

"I still get people coming into the shop and asking what all the roadworks are for so it will be good to keep them updated on what is happening with the trams."

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