Mark is urging that a full review be carried out of pedestrian safety at a number of locations in Leith Walk and around the York Place/St Andrew Square area.

Mark said:
“I raised this issue as a number of local residents raised with me their worries about pedestrian safety at a number of locations in Leith Walk and around the York Place/St Andrew Square area. I  think their concerns were very well founded, and have seen for myself some of the danger points for pedestrians.'

“I therefore urged that a full safety audit be carried out, and I am glad that the Traffic Management Review Panel has agreed to go and inspect the sites in person. I have myself offered to show some of the most serious problems myself as well, and I have arranged to go and visit these with one of the staff from Tie.'

“My view is that there is a problem in the way that the pedestrian paths through the tram works change regularly. This can cause confusion to those who are not up to speed with the changes, and don't realise that pedestrian routes or traffic flows have changed. I think the elderly and children are particularly vulnerable. There are a number of schools near Leith Walk and many children use crossing points along that road.'

“I have seen for myself a number of near misses where older people or children have clearly not fully appreciated the changes at a particular location, and have only just avoided walking out in front of heavy moving traffic.”

For article on the issue in the Edinburgh Evening News with comments by Mark, click here.