TRAM TESTING SET TO INCREASE

 

Tram testingResidents, commuters and pedestrians in Edinburgh will start to see more trams being tested along the route over the coming days.

At present trams are only running through the city during the night and between Edinburgh Park and the airport during the daytime.

Over the coming days, residents will start to see trams being tested in the City Centre during the daytime.

These tests aren’t timetabled at present but an update will be provided in advance of the first full route daytime test on the Edinburgh Trams website, on Twitter and through local media.

In advance of daytime testing getting under way, the Council and Transport for Edinburgh have produced a series of safety videos and tips as part of a wider awareness campaign to help pedestrians, cyclists and drivers get used to the trams.

Councillor Lesley Hinds,Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Up until now, trams have only been running at night when the city centre roads are much quieter. Daytime tests aren’t far away and it’ll take some time for people to get used to seeing trams running on streets so we’re asking drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to take extra care while everyone becomes familiar.

“I’ve seen first hand in Dublin how trams interact with traffic and, as progress continues to be made along the route, it’ll be important that people are aware of the differences. The Client Target May service launch is drawing ever closer but there are still many important tests and a driver training programme to complete. It’s also the right time to remember some straightforward but very important safety messages.”

Local car crime alert

An email we received yesterday:

Hi there

I am just emailing you to make you aware of the recent series of car break ins that have been occurring in the West Pilton Avenue area. I was a victim of a car break in and theft last night and I know of at least two more people that have had their cars broken into ( one tonight and one a couple of nights ago). It seems to be the work of a gang of teenage boys from that area.

They stole my bag from my car, a woman’s purse and a mans wallet and do the by smashing in the passenger front window or the drivers window. They seem to carry their thefts out from between 9-12 pm.

I am just informing you of this occurrence of car break ins so that awareness can be raised , so that people take care not to leave any valuables in their car on show or non valuables such as a bag. My bag was not of value but contained my uni work which is of value to me as makes up a large percentage of my coursework marks and its something i can never replace now . They will steal anything that they may suspect to contain anything of value.

I hope that you can raise awareness with this information.

Kind Regards

Diane Baird (by email)