Trams on Roseburn Path

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The Murrayfield CC Chair attended the SPOKES public meeting on 5 June 2024, which was considering the Granton-BioQuarter tram line, part of which might run along Roseburn Path.

There were four speakers. Lesley Hinds declared that a clear case had been made 20 years ago for the Roseburn Path option, with its lower risk from buried utilities, connectivity with the Airport and Haymarket, and offered all-round better value for money than the Orchard Brae one. Euan Baxter said that things had changed in the last 20 years, with greater appreciation of the Roseburn Path's place in the city's path network and growth in cycling and electric bicycles, as well as connection with nature. He thought Orchard Brae would serve a greater catchment. Alex Robb sought the inclusion of active travel measures from the outset of any development, and Adrian Davis referred to the significance of Health Impact assessment.

Subsequent discussion at the meeting included views that:

• the Newhaven extension had made the case for trams, however this was not about competition between bus and tram;

• the proposed consultation (which has still not been launched) had got off on a bad footing with a suggestion that cycling must be discouraged on the Roseburn Path route;

• the cost of the Roseburn option would reflect a need for replacement of five overbridges to secure the necessary clearances. No work had been done on costing the Orchard Brae one;

• the new Roseburn-Union Canal link would extend the usefulness of the Roseburn Path;

• the Roseburn Path provided a valuable green space with its 3500 trees.

• Council Officers had wanted the Roseburn Path to be preferred, but councillors had said that there should be no preference, and now they must tell officers that there is to adequate be provision for walking and cycling, with perhaps a minimum width of four metres for a shared active travel route which must be physically separated from the tram;

• CCWEL (City Centre West East Link) was an example of how to engage a wide range of people, and this consultation too must listen to all voices.

Previously:

At 5 March Community Council meeting, City Councillor Beal encouraged residents to respond to the consultation on the Granton-BioQuarter extension of the tram network, when it is launched in the Spring. The route utilises the Roseburn Path. A member of the public at the meeting was concerned that the information to date has been misleading and highlighted the "Save the Roseburn Path" (https://www.savetheroseburnpath.com/) campaign group which is trying to ensure that the consultation process is fair, transparent and inclusive.

[12/05/2024] Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign held a public meeting on 5 June 2024 to debate the two alternative proposals for the tram line connecting Granton to the City Centre. The meeting was from 19:30-21:30 at Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. There were four speakers and a panel Q&A. The aim was to "[give] you the chance to find out more about the arguments, and to start formulating your thoughts in advance of the forthcoming Council public consultation [dates not yet known]."

[Source: links in text; minutes of meetings of: 5-03-2023; Chair notes]

[Image credit: (c) H Ross]