Letters: Hardline tram rules carry weigh too much baggage

I have read the list of things which may lead to a £1000 fine by the tram authorities according to your article (News, November 20).

Some of the items which are completely banned or listed are sensible and could lead to someone being in trouble with the law.

It is quite blindingly obvious that one should not take on board explosives, flammable items, firearms or other weapons, smoke or consume alcohol.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

What is bizarre, though, is the possibility of facing fines for having oversized luggage.

The tram system is in part designed to take people to and from the airport, so I am assuming the tram company is going to be making a mint from people with oversized baggage.

Are passengers coming out of the airport going to have to queue to have their bags measured before they can board the tram?

This is exactly the sort of nonsense that would put me off using the trams and if implemented will just encourage people to continue using their cars, taxis and the bus.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I would also like to know what constitutes an offensive T-shirt. If I was a Hearts supporter then I might find someone wearing a Hibs T-shirt offensive. If I am Scottish I might find someone wearing a T-shirt with the St George flag offensive, and so on.

Rules such as the offensive T-shirts are most ineffective and could be wide open to abuse by some member of staff with a personal view or opinion.

Alastair Macintyre, Webster Place, Rosyth, Fife

Making a stand on project now

As another episode of Edinburgh’s own soap opera unveils, it seems that the trams are going to be elitist, and we’re only going to get on if we fit the set standards for travelling on them!

So when eventually these trams are taking us to work or to the shops in 20-whenever, the segregation issues at the tram stops are going to be interesting.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But with all the diversion and stop signs, I’m going to make my stand against how they’ve ruined our fine city by saying now that I’m not going to use them.

Why would I need to? We’ve got a perfectly good bus service.

BS Ferguson, Pirniefield Bank, Edinburgh

City must attract more investment

I WAS rather concerned to read Rosy Barnes’ article (News, November 20).

I agree with Ms Barnes that Edinburgh is an inspiring place to live, but it is so because it is attractive to inward investment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If our city is to progress, we need to be encouraging more companies to invest in our city, and strangling off any large infrastructure projects before they can even be debated is madness.

As for the comparison to the tram project; well this was a project that has ruined our city and the only oversight was down to the council administration and the Scottish Parliament!

Big developments should, and must, be given full scrutiny and the general public must be consulted.

This process was followed by the Craighouse developers and I am glad that they have listened to local residents concerns and decided not to build on the orchard area of the site.

Sophie Walker, Craiglockhart Crescent, Edinburgh

Neglected venue lets side down

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With preparations in full swing for the Festive celebrations, it’s a shame to see the Ross Bandstand in a continued state of neglect.

This venue is a central feature of Princes Street Gardens but to see it in its current dilapitated state not only spoils the beauty and elegance of the Gardens but may also reflect badly upon the city.

The Castle may continue to be a top tourist attraction but even its popularity might suffer if the buildings and attractions that surround it are left in a state of disrepair.

Angus McGregor, Albion Road, Edinburgh

Portobello lucky to have a choice

FOR years the people of Portobello have been debating whether or not a new school should be built on a park where people walk their dogs.

The people of Craigmillar would love the luxury of being in that position, as their school, Castlebrae High, is unlikely to be replaced.

Andy Morris, St Leonard’s Lane, Edinburgh