New Edinburgh transport body will look at trams development

The first tram arrived at Gogar depot from Spain last October

Local people and business leaders will make future decisions on transport policy in the capital through a special forum set up by Edinburgh City Council.

The body is expected to have a say on a range of transport issues, and members would be consulted on any proposal to extend the tram line.

The Edinburgh tram project is years behind schedule and over budget.

A £776m tram line between Edinburgh Airport and St Andrew Square is due to be completed by summer 2014.

Lesley Hinds, Edinburgh City Council's transport convener, said: "What I want to do is to engage with all the stakeholders and organisations and the public to look at the future transport policies be that cycling, walking, bus, taxi or car.

"We want to try to bring all the organisations together to look to the future for Edinburgh.

"The trams are only one part of transport in Edinburgh but I think people in this city have lost faith in transport policies.

"My job as transport convener is to get that trust back by communicating and engaging with the public."