Edinburgh Councillors are to make a decision on proposals to improve access to Waverly Station this month.

The £1m project would include provision for taxi stacking on Market Street to allow controlled access into Waverley Station and a new roundabout at the East Market Street and Jeffrey Street junction to improve access to the new pick up/drop off bays.

Improvements would also be made to footways, kerb alignment and pedestrian crossings to facilitate pedestrian space on Waverley Bridge as well as to footways, surfacing and drainage on Market Street.

The news follows discussions between the Department for Transport (DfT) and Network Rail.

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The Council has been working on a range of measures to improve access and reduce congestion in and around the city’s main railway station.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener, said: "The Council has been working very closely with Network Rail and I'm pleased to say we've come a long way since last summer when it seemed as though access to Edinburgh's principal rail hub could be seriously compromised, particularly for less mobile station users.

"The designs the Council has produced, coupled with Network Rail's investment into new lifts and escalators, will make it much easier for everyone to access Waverley Station as well as improving the surrounding area with resurfaced carriageway and footways and a new pedestrian crossing at the junction of Market Street and Waverley Bridge.

"With up to three taxis a minute entering the station at peak times, it's crucial that we find ways of managing the traffic on Market Street and Waverley Bridge. The proposals up for approval offer a range of measures which will do just this, as well as enhance the amenity of the whole area."

A report detailing these proposed measures will be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on Tuesday 15 January 2013.

(IT)