Dear [three councillors]
I note that the pedestrian crossings around the intersection of George Street and Frederick Street are being replaced (again?) by traffic lights. Presumably this is due to George Street being used by bus services during the closure of Princes Street (again).
With this in mind I have three questions:
1. Whose decision was it to take away the pedestrian crossings 'before' the new lights were in operation? This seems a remarkably nonsensical way to do things (actually, it's worse than that, it's basic blind stupidity giving no consideration for the most vulnerable users of the street) - pedestrians are simply being left to fend for themselves with the white stripes on the road covered and the beacons not flashing, and have been for a number of days, with no indication as to when the lights will be operating. Surely the crossings could have been maintained 'until' the lights were operational.
2. Will the pedestrian crossings be resurrected when George Street is shorn of traffic once more;
3. Will a careful watch be kept on the road surface? The last time this was used as a bus route the surface degraded very quickly.
Regards
Anthony
p.s. I see that the Mound has also been turned into a car park for the works (I assume these bays and machines will be removed when the route is re-opened?). Has an alternative route for cyclists been considered? Diversions via Lothian Road or North Bridge are somewhat lengthy, especially with the Mound being part of the National Cycle Network, and presumably on the proposed route of the new Bike Corridor).
How this council can ever have the allegation levelled at it of being 'anti-car' is beyond me.
Untitled by blackpuddinonnabike, on Flickr
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