Dozens of Edinburgh tram journeys delayed due to cars parked on the network

Dozens of tram journeys in Edinburgh have been disrupted over the summer as a result of vehicles illegally parked on the network.

A Freedom of Information request revealed 22 tram journeys were delayed in the capital between June 7 and July 31.

The majority of delayed journeys occurred in the Leith area of the city.

Earlier this summer, trams started travelling on Leith Walk for the first time in almost 70 years as a long-awaited line extension officially opened.

Work to take the tracks from the city centre to Newhaven started in November 2019, but was impacted by delays due to the Covid pandemic and supply chain issues.

The extension, which runs between Newhaven and Picardy Place, spans 2.9 miles and encompasses eight stops.

But it has been delayed numerous times over the summer months as a result of parked vehicles on the route.

Edward Tissiman was among those who experienced the issue. He said on July 12: “Popped over to Leith Walk for lunch – all this in 10 minutes.

“The tram has been repeatedly stuck behind parked vehicles today, with thousands of people delayed across Edinburgh. Disastrous active travel and public transport infrastructure made worse by entitled drivers.

Popped over to Leith Walk for lunch – all this in 10 minutes. The tram has been repeatedly stuck behind parked vehicles today, with thousands of people delayed across Edinburgh. Disastrous active travel and public transport infrastructure made worse by entitled drivers. pic.twitter.com/f6KP1aHWYd
— Edward Tissiman (@edtiss) July 12, 2023

Meanwhile, Ben Macpherson, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, said: “Pavement parking is a regular problem in Leith – blocking pedestrians, wheelers, cyclists and trams.”

Pavement parking is a regular problem in #Leith – blocking pedestrians, wheelers, cyclists & trams.

Implementation of the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 parking provisions would help tackle this.

20 days to add your views to @transcotland’s consultation: https://t.co/OntcQLxq1l. pic.twitter.com/kjZwF8E69t
— Ben Macpherson MSP (@BenMacpherson) July 8, 2023

An Edinburgh Trams spokesperson commented: “Like all modern tramways with on-street operations, the actions of other road users can very occasionally disrupt services.

“However, since the new line to Newhaven opened on June 7 until July 31, out of more than 16,000 tram journeys, across the entire network just 22 were delayed due to incorrectly parked vehicles.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind people that they should always leave their vehicle fully within marked bays, and never encroach on the tramway wherever they park in city.”