The Trams to Newhaven project has said that they will be installing traffic management systems to obstruct motorists from turning onto Brunswick Road from Leith Walk.
Many Edinburgh residents have been complaining about the dangerous driving that has seen several people almost knocked over by motorists flouting the rules. One local man spoke earlier this week about how he was almost mown down despite a green man appearing on the lights at the junction connecting Brunswick Road and Leith Walk.
Edward Tissiman, 28, who works as a civil servant has been campaigning on Twitter ever since the incident occurred. He has called on Edinburgh City Council and police to take immediate action before someone is killed or seriously injured.
READ MORE: Edinburgh man almost run down by rule breaking motorists on busy street
The current transport and environment convener, Scott Arthur, listened to the calls and said that immediate action would be taken whilst also saying that drivers breaking the rules should be condemned. Police Scotland had also responded by attending the site yesterday (October 27) to try to enforce the no turn-in at Brunswick Road by reporting drivers.
Officers said in a tweet: “Responding to community concerns #NECPT have been taking enforcement action at Brunswick Road today. A number drivers have been reported for contravening no right and no left turn signage.”
Trams to Newhaven said that they had been made aware of the number of drivers that had been performing banned right and left hand turns into Brunswick. As a result they have taken action to try to alleviate the problem.
In a statement released earlier this afternoon (October 28), they said: “The project is aware of an increased number of motorists making banned turns from Leith Walk into Brunswick Road bringing them in conflict with pedestrians.
“In response, we have installed traffic management to obstruct the right-hand manoeuvre off Leith Walk and have put further signage in place. Additionally, traffic signals at the junction will be reconfigured to introduce an all-stop phase while pedestrians are crossing to ensure there is no conflict with motorists.
“Temporary traffic lights will be installed from 28 October with permanent signals reconfiguration expected to be in place from the week commencing 31 October. We will continue to monitor the situation and review when London Road reopens.”
"I am aware that there has been social media activity about motorists making a banned right hand turn from Leith Walk to Brunswick Road, bringing them into conflict with pedestrians crossing Brunswick Road at a green man. We do have signage up at this location advising that the right hand turn is banned and the police also attended the junction a couple of weeks ago.
“We are installing additional signage to drive the point home. Class One is also installing extra traffic management to try to obstruct the right turn manoeuvre for motorists while not impeding vehicles turning right from McDonald Road.
“This will be in place before close of business today (October 27.) Although I consider that there is a responsibility on motorists to follow signage and observe the ban.”
READ NEXT:
Edinburgh council to tear down CCTV cameras linked to Chinese human rights abuse
Edinburgh workplace parking charge could cost drivers £650 a year
What Edinburgh's Picardy Place will look like when '20 years of roadworks' end next year
Edinburgh property: Fairytale cottage hits the market with top floor balcony and summerhouse
Edinburgh tracksuit gang attack teenager in terrifying street robbery
