Cost of Removing Cars From Waverley Station "Up To £1m"

Edinburgh City Council is raising concerns about removing cars and taxis from Waverley Station.

According to a report being considered by the council, redesigning Market Street and Waverley Bridge to accommodate taxis, pick-up and drop-off points while maintaining pedestrian safety will cost up to £1 million.

Network Rail has delayed plans to remove all traffic except service vehicles while discussions are ongoing.

At issue is who will pay for the new road layout: Network Rail has intimated that the Department for Transport may provide a contribution, but this has not been confirmed. Any shortfall will have to be met by the Council transport department's Capital Investment Programme.

Detailed designs being worked on include:

• Changing part of the carriageway on Waverley Bridge and Market Street to pavement;
• Changing part of the pavements on Market Street to carriageway to accommodate parking areas;
• Installing a roundabout at the junction of East Market Street and Jeffrey Street;
• Improvements to pavements on Waverley Bridge;
• Improvements to pavements, surfacing and drainage on Market Street;
• An increase in taxi rank spaces on Waverley Bridge, Market Street and Calton Road.

The footway, kerb and pedestrian improvement works will cost an estimated £750,000, while taxi rank provision will cost around £150,000. Road resurfacing on Market Street would cost £95,000, but this would be paid for from the Council's Capital budget.

The report also states that the Council and the Equalities Transport Advisory Group has asked Network Rail to consider providing a pick-up and drop-off facility in the New Street car park, and to maintain access to the station to accessible transport providers.

Transport Convener Cllr Lesley Hinds said: "I am extremely concerned about this proposed closure and the effect it will have on passengers, particularly the disabled, frail and those with young children."

She added: "Talks with Network Rail about these mitigation measures, as well as funding, are ongoing and I urge them to use common sense."