'Decent enough speeds'

THERE is a push to get water taxis on Edinburgh’s canal, providing 'decent enough speeds' can be accomplished.

The idea is to get people in to work by boat, with commuters parking their cars at one of the Union Canal's car parks, then going into the city by boat, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Overlooked

However, it seems to have been completely overlooked that there is a 4mph speed limit, as well as lack of dredging stopping the 'decent speeds' that are required.

The water taxis would go into Fountainbridge, which is the start of the city's main financial district, with services to suit both in the mornings and late afternoons.

Walking pace

It has been realised however that canal boats rarely exceed walking pace, and would not be much use for people in a hurry.

However, Katie Hughes, Head of Property and Regeneration at British Waterways Scotland, is investigating how the scheme would work.

Like other towpaths, the one on the Union Canal is subject to speeding cyclists, that are often criticised by canal users, and one proposal would see traffic calming measures introduced, including speed bumps and speed limit signs, with 'commuting cyclists' encouraged to use adjacent roads instead of the towpath.