Pollution row over tram diversion

The trams project was conceived as a way of making the city greener

A residents' group in Edinburgh's west end has said traffic diversions for tram works have made air pollution so bad that they fear for their health.

Moray Feus Residents' Association said it was worried a sharp rise in traffic levels in some residential areas had breached safe air quality levels.

They claimed to have analysed figures from monitors, which showed levels of nitrogen dioxide had doubled.

Tram developer, Tie, said the concerns would be considered.

Great Stuart Street is one of the Edinburgh roads where Edinburgh City Council measures noise and air pollution.

We have seen a rapid increase in nitrogen dioxide Ashley Lloyd Moray Feus Residents' Association

Since the closure of Princes Street, the capital's main commercial centre and the adjacent Shandwick Place, traffic levels here have gone up.

The Edinburgh trams project was conceived as a way of making the city greener and cleaner but Ashley Lloyd, from the Moray Feus group, said even the council's own figures showed a steep rise in the pollutant nitrogen dioxide.

Mr Lloyd, said: "We have seen a rapid increase in nitrogen dioxide.

"We are now seeing levels that are twice the EU and Scottish statutory limit for an annual average, which is 40 micrograms per cubic metre.

"The last figures were in the low 90s."

Consultation period

An average of 900 cars pass eastbound along the street every hour.

The residents' group is now calling on the council to reconsider its latest traffic regulation order which would keep Princes Street and Shandwick Place closed to public traffic.

Gordon Mackenzie, Edinburgh City Council's transport convenor, said: "The proposed Traffic Regulation Order entered the statutory public consultation period at the end February and gives the public an opportunity to view the proposed permanent road changes which will accommodate the tram line.

"During the 28-day period, which ends on Sunday 21 March, objections can be lodged to the proposals which will in turn be thoroughly investigated before being presented to the council in June for final consideration."