Edinburgh tram track injuries cost NHS £1 million

Health chiefs have spent more than £1 million treating injuries caused on Edinburgh's tram tracks.

Cyclists have found trouble crossing tram tracks

Prof Chris Oliver, a consultant at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, said 252 people had been hurt in the past seven years – including 191 cyclists.

He will present his findings to the British Orthopaedic Organisation later this year.

Injuries have been caused during incidents including bike wheels getting caught in the lines or sliding on the tracks.

Prof Oliver said: “We deal with thousands of fractures a year in the Royal and it’s become a new work steam for us.

“It’s not the £1m cost to the NHS, the problem is the suffering caused by the accidents and people having time off work, often ending up with some chronic disability with reduced function in a wrist or a shoulder and perhaps not getting back to sport, not being inclined to get back to cycling.

“These are more significant things that are less tangible to measure.”

Councillor Lesley Hinds, the city’s transport leader, said: “We have yet to be shown the full report but the safety of pedestrians and cyclists is of utmost importance to the council and transport for Edinburgh.

“Since the launch of Edinburgh trams we have gone to every effort to raise awareness of its impact on all road users and have ensured clear signage to guide cyclists along the safest routes throughout the city.”