Overview
The complainant (Mr C), acting on behalf of a sub-committee of local residents, raised a number of concerns about the consequences for his neighbourhood (the Area) of road traffic regulation changes instituted by the City of Edinburgh Council (the Council), following their decision to develop a light railway (the Tram Link) between North and Central Edinburgh and Edinburgh Airport.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Council increased traffic in the Area by the way that they have managed traffic flow, following their decision to develop the Tram Link (not upheld);
- (b) residents of the Area were excluded from meaningful participation in the process (not upheld);
- (c) the Council have not carried out a proper and comprehensive environmental impact study regarding noise, air pollution, safety and continual vehicle passage through the predominantly residential area as a proposed permanent situation (not upheld); and
- (d) the Council repeatedly made misleading statements, both to residents of the Area and to other involved parties; most notably to the parliamentary hearings regarding the effect on the area (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman has no recommendations to make.