Roseburn Path: What is the row over a new Edinburgh tram line about?

Roseburn Path: What is the row over a new Edinburgh tram line about?

The Roseburn Path in Edinburgh, once a former railway line, has become a popular off-road cycle path used by thousands of pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users every year. However, a proposal to reclaim the path for a tram line connecting Granton in the north to the Royal Infirmary in the south east has sparked a heated debate. City planners have suggested two options, with The Roseburn Path being the preferred route. A public consultation on the project is currently ongoing.

The proposed tram line would share a 2-mile stretch of the route with pedestrians and cyclists, with a single line for the narrowest section of the path. Safety measures such as a 1.5m high fence and buffer zones would be in place to separate trams from other path users. Despite assurances from council officials that there would be sufficient space for everyone to use the path, campaign groups have raised objections. Concerns about the narrowness of the path, impact on trees and wildlife, and the overall transformation of a beloved green space into a tram route have been expressed.

Campaigners are advocating for the preservation of The Roseburn Path as it is, citing the detrimental impact that a tram line could have on the environment and recreational space. They argue that the proposal goes against national objectives on green spaces, biodiversity protection, and promoting active travel. As the public consultation on the tram project continues, the future of The Roseburn Path hangs in the balance, with stakeholders on both sides passionately defending their positions

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More