Testing on Edinburgh Trams is set to increase further from Monday 7th April with trams running seven days a week and at an increased frequency as preparations continue ahead of a planned opening in May. With an increase in testing the safety message to the public is also being stepped up with a new Twitter campaign, #carefulnow, being launched.
#carefulnow is a social media campaign which will be used on both Twitter and Facebook and will also see refreshed signage and updated messages sent to schools, universities and higher education colleges, businesses and community councils. Tram drivers already involved in testing have reported back to bosses at Edinburgh Trams that although the vast majority of pedestrians and fellow road users are behaving responsibly there are still some individuals who are taking unnecessary risks and it is hoped that this renewed campaign will appeal to those who are taking risks.
Cllr Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener on the City of Edinburgh Council, commented: “Trams have become a much more common sight in the city centre over the last few weeks, which has given us all a chance to get used to sharing the roads with this new mode of transport. From Monday, we’ll see many more trams out testing right the way through the week and over the weekend as well. It’s a good time to remind everyone how they can keep safe when walking, cycling or driving near trams. If you follow @EdinburghTrams on Twitter, look out for our #carefulnow messages and please spread the word!”
Tom Norris, Edinburgh Trams Director and General Manager, added: “Testing and training have been going really well and it’s good to see that most people are interacting sensibly with the trams. Our drivers are driving very carefully to cope with the unpredictable behaviour of some road users, however. It’s vital that everyone heeds the warning bell and that people wait for the green man and don’t gamble. As we get ready to start testing seven days a week at a much greater frequency, we want to see the #carefulnow messages shared as widely as possible.”
Warnings have also been issued to motorists who continue to park their vehicles obstructing the tramway. A tow truck is now on standby to respond swiftly to any incidents and vehicle owners face a £180 charge to recover the vehicle if its towed away. Two vehicles have already been towed away, one from West Maitland Street and one from York Place, and parking attendant patrols are now paying specific attention to vehicles blocking the tramway at a number of “hot spot” locations.
An official announcement of the opening date for Edinburgh Trams is expected to be made four weeks before opening and so with a May opening planned it is likely (hopefully!) this will be forthcoming during this month.