New research suggests that waiting times at city-centre pedestrian crossings are not improving, despite efforts to address the problem.
On 2 September, we featured painstaking research by reader 'Paul at Fountainbridge' (PF) into crossing times. In most cases, it required the patience of a saint not to ignore the red man and traverse at peril.
The findings prompted reassuring responses from Councillors Hinds and Barrie, and a promise that the situation would be looked into.
But new footage recorded at York Place near Elder Street on Saturday 12 September shows the waiting time (obeying all signals) has gone up by 10 seconds since February, from 2 minutes 35 seconds to 2 minutes 45 seconds.
This to cover a distance of just 21 metres.
Meanwhile, at the junction of Princes and Frederick Streets, PF is pleased to note that the holding of traffic lights for eastbound trams appears to have been removed.
Unfortunately, though, if an eastbound tram is detected, the pedestrian crossing phase is missed out from the sequence. This is still leading to long pedestrian delays of up to 4 minutes and 20 seconds.
‘The strangest thing,’ observes PF, ‘was a pedestrian phase of 1 minute 40 seconds – when there was an eastbound tram waiting’.
Gavin Barrie, SNP councillor for Inverleith, earlier this month suggested FP’s ‘more historic’ footage recorded in December 2014 and February 2015 might be out of date, following adjustments.
‘That is not to say there is any room for complacency and I know Council officers and technicians will continue to do all they can to see that citizens in the city can carry out their journeys safely whether on foot or on public transport with the minimum of delay.’
PF’s latest findings suggest that further refinements are required as a matter of urgency.
If only there were more sand on the tracks at York Place.
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Patrick Hadfield As a pedestrian, I happily ignore the red man! But for those less fit or more timid, it must be very irritating. Has anyone fine something similar for the (vehicle) traffic lights at Queen Street/Hanover Street? The waiting times for cars heading north or south seem excessive.
Harry Aarrestad Spot on Patrick .
Stephen Gordon they've certainly added to the congestion getting in and out of South Gyle around the busy times. The bus service has always been good making the trams kind of pointless.