Decision on tram extension to Newhaven delayed

A decision on whether to extend the Edinburgh tram network to Newhaven has been delayed.

Council bosses were due to decide in Autumn 2018 but that has been set back to early 2019.

The delay is to allow more time to consider the bids.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “We have adopted a very thorough and robust process for the Trams to Newhaven project throughout, learning crucial lessons from what went wrong previously.

"We have been very clear from the outset that we will not bring forward the Final Business Case for tram until we have vigorously tested the cost and time estimates with the market."

Vice Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: "It is important for the Council to have sufficient time to undertake due diligence and comprehensive evaluation of the final submissions and we have therefore decided to take extra time to allow this process to take place.

"We have also asked officials to extend the ongoing consultation period on the project design and plans until 11 November to ensure maximum participation and we look forward to the Final Business Case being presented to councillors for a decision in March 2019.

The extension is expected to cost £165.2m and is projected to transport 14 million people in its first year.