Tram obstacles

TIE's decision to give "respite"from the tram works (News, 30 March) is the least appropriate action at this time for city motorists.

What would be appropriate is to explain that work is to commence at these restrictions and that it will be completed with the least possible additional delay.

TIE appears to be powerless to have the contractor comply with its obligation to complete the works diligently. The pre-contract presentations to Edinburgh city council addressed at length the means of addressing the assessment and management of the risks likely to arise during the course of installation of the system.

Now, apparently, TIE has no means to deal with what have to be the most predictable of risks likely to arise during progress of the works. These are that old, unknown services will reveal some problems where they have not been fully surveyed in advance and that many employers of this contractor around the world have experienced severe difficulties in achieving reasonable performance.

The evidence is in the public domain and it appears that some employers have considered it appropriate to remove the contract from the firm.

No amount of "temporary respite" can hide this serious and very obvious deficiency.

JOHN GRANT

Dean Park Mews

Edinburgh