Temporary barriers are to be installed on an Edinburgh street after drivers got their vehicles stuck on a set of steps multiple times due to sat-nav errors over the last few months.
In days gone by motorists were able to turn left onto Greenside Lane when travelling up from Leith Walk.
But the route has been blocked to traffic for quite some time now, with stairs and a new pavement and cycle lane lay-out constructed during work to extend the tram line in the Capital.
Some motorists have claimed they made the manoeuvre after being instructed to do so by their navigation system.
Edinburgh Council said Google has now corrected the error. The officers have written to Apple to ask the tech giant does the same.
But in the meantime it’s been decided only a physical barrier will prevent further incidents.
Locals on the busy street say they welcome the move.
One told STV News: “It’s so dangerous, because I come up and down here often.
“And that is such a stupid thing, as they haven’t made it obvious, they haven’t blocked it off.”
Another pedestrian said: “Couldn’t believe it, all they’ve got to do is put a bollard thing.”
Some question how this has become such a big issue in the first place.
One man told STV News: “I don’t know why people actually go down there. It’s pretty stupid – it’s obvious it’s a pavement.”
It’s expected the temporary barriers will be in place by the end of the week – and councillors will be hoping this is the last they’ve heard of the issue.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The footpath in this area is incredibly busy, so these incidents are really concerning.
“While we would expect drivers to use common sense in a situation like this, we are going to install temporary barriers this week to prevent it happening again.
“Greenside Lane was originally blocked off to traffic some time ago and steps installed as part of Trams to Newhaven. This is in compliance with the Edinburgh Street Design Guidance and similar to other set-ups across the city, such as on the Lawnmarket.
“No issues were raised as part of the Road Safety Audit for the project and Google Maps was recently updated to reflect the new layout and a request for a correction has been sent to Apple Maps.
“Sat-nav is an incredibly useful tool, but it’s no substitute for common sense. Cars and trucks don’t go down steps.”
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