Edinburgh roads: Locals shocked by Polwarth diversion as cars directed down one-way street

Several pedestrians have been seen having to jump out of the way of cars.

Shocked locals have complained to the council about a temporary diversion which is directing cars into oncoming traffic down a street with a one-way section.

Road works have seen Polwarth Crescent closed with drivers diverted via Merchiston Ave, including up a one way section.

It has sparked safety fears after locals witnessed pedestrians in near misses with cars having to 'jump out of the way'.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter one Edinburgh resident said: "This is incredibly dangerous to pedestrians- saw several who didn't know this having to hurriedly jump out of the way of cars."

Traffic diverted from Polwarth Crescent onto Merchiston Avenue with one-way section sparks safety fears Photo: Joe Gordon

"I get them diverting, but I don't think they appreciate how dangerous it is sending that traffic the wrong way on a one way road. Nearly caught out several pedestrians when I passed it today, they need to urgently rethink pedestrian safety here over vehicular access."

Responding to the complaint on Tuesday Edinhelp, the account run by the council said: "Your concern has been passed to the Traffic Management company that is maintaining the diversion to find a solution as soon as possible."

It added that the change is required for this week but it could be extended due to 'unforeseen situations'.

The council said officers went out on Wednesday to cover over the one-way signs, following the complaint.

A spokesperson said:

"Additional signs were placed out today to advise pedestrians that traffic was running in both directions on this section of Merchiston Avenue.

One-way signs and No Entry signs have now been covered over at each end of the street. In addition, all parking has been suspended on this section so there are no issues with visibility for pedestrians or traffic.

The work has progressed more quickly than envisaged so that Polwarth Crescent should be reopened by tomorrow, earlier than planned. From then the diversion route will no longer be necessary and the temporary measures will be removed. The traffic management will then revert to the three-way temporary lights that were in place last week at the Polwarth Terrace/Polwarth Crescent junction."