6 January 2011
Letter sent to Sunday Herald re. Edinburgh Trams
As submitted:
Dear Editor
Your correspondent Allan Alstead appears to have little understanding of modern tram systems if his letter in last Sunday's Herald is to be taken at face value. All over the world new tram systems are being installed with great success. I have visited a number of European cities and seen how new tram systems have transformed the city centres. Far from co-existing with existing traffic the opportunity is taken to create large traffic free areas accessible only by tram, bike and on foot. The result is that people flock to the city centres bringing new life to the city and new income to the retailers.
Indeed there is firm evidence that motorists are six time more likely to transfer from their cars to a tram than to a bus. So trams work; they carry more people, reduce car traffic, reduce emissions and people clamour for more routes as soon as the first one is opened. Edinburgh may be a special and unique city but in transport terms we have a lot to learn from Europe. Those Councillors and MSP's who have supported this project should be applauded for their long term vision for the city. Just why it is that this public transport project should have its funding capped when road projects across Scotland enjoy no such restriction smacks of double standards and is at odds with a desire to reduce CO2 emissions.
Finally, Mr Alstead refers to work on the utilities, I wonder how many people realise the major replacement of utilities along the route that has been undertaken as part of the tram project - many of these pipes were over 100 years old and long overdue for replacement. This is a major benefit to the city and needs to be recognised as such.
I have no doubt that the tram project will be completed and will be a great success and then the habitual grumblers can move on to some other topic.
Yours faithfully
Paul Tetlaw
Board Member
Transform Scotland
5 Rose Street
Edinburgh
EH2 2PR