[In Issue 196 we paraphrase Harald Tobermann's open letter to City of Edinburgh Councillors. Here we reproduce it in full.]
Dear Councillors
As you will know, I have closely followed the tram project from its very beginning. While being in favour or a modern integrated public transport system (including trams), I have often been critical of the process of planning and implementation, and in particular the poor project governance and quality assurance.
I therefore appreciate the effort that was put into the project - or what remains of it - at City Chamber level last night [30 June]. Despite the varying positions (seemingly still along party lines?!) it seems that – at long last – all councillors have become aware of their joint responsibility, whether they are part of the Administration or not.
I am particularly pleased that we finally have a decision. This was long overdue: too much time has been lost with prevarication. The decision that was made last night was of course not to continue the tram line to St Andrew Square: in the absence of secured funding, this was merely a declaration of intention (just as the other options would have been). The decision I am talking about is to cancel the line down Leith Walk.
Unfortunately, this was a decision that was not costed or analysed for environmental impact or how it fits in with Scotland's national priorities. I therefore call on you as local councillors to ask for a report to be commissioned that provides Council with an opportunity to vote for a scheme with all the following elements:
a) complete renovation of all pavements, kerbs and pedestrian crossing points on Leith Walk to the highest standard
b) the re-instatement of all damaged or removed street furniture
c) the removal of 'third world' lighting cables strung from post to post
d) the replacement of all temporary barriers and traffic measures
e) the repair of bus and cycle priority lanes
f) the replanting of all trees damaged during the tramworks
g) a complete overhaul of domestic and commercial waste collection
h) a complete overhaul of all bus stops
i) and to compensate fo the damage to the economic and social fabric of the area, a sustained shop front renovation programme extending from the pilot in Elm Row to the rest of Leith Walk, including grant funding of 50% for small shops and 25% for chains or larger retailers.
I know that money is in short supply: but if a further £200m can be found for the trams (for any of the options, including cancellation), I am sure funding for Leith Walk of the required magnitude (my estimate: £10–20m) can also be identified. One source could be an energetic (and legal) pursuit of utility companies who had their plant renewed at a huge discount, while contributing to the mess, delays and costs in the form of poor or non-existent (sic) location drawings of their own plant.
Please let me know your position on the above, and to what timetable you can see it progressing.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Best wishes
Harald Tobermann
(Pilrig Street)