Barriers to be installed after sat-nav errors send vehicles down Edinburgh steps
City of Edinburgh Council said Google Maps has since updated its directions. A request for a correction was made to Apple Maps, with Apple now saying the issue has been resolved.
Tuesday 6 February 2024 16:37, UK
Temporary barriers are to be installed on an Edinburgh street after sat-nav errors have sent a spate of drivers down a set of steps.
Images of stranded motorists have been widely shared on social media after GPS software failed to acknowledge the steps added to Greenside Lane last year.
City of Edinburgh Council said Google Maps has since updated its directions. A request for a correction was made to Apple Maps, with Apple now saying the issue has been resolved.
The temporary barriers will be installed this week.
Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener, said: "The footpath in this area is incredibly busy, so these incidents are really concerning.
"While we would expect drivers to use common sense in a situation like this, we are going to install temporary barriers this week to prevent it happening again."
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Greenside Lane, next to The Theatre Royal Bar and along from Edinburgh Playhouse, was said to have been blocked off to traffic "some time ago" ahead of the steps being installed as part of the Trams to Newhaven tramline extension scheme.
Councillor Arthur said the work was in compliance with the city's street design guidance and similar to other set-ups across Edinburgh, such as on the Lawnmarket.
He added: "Sat-nav is an incredibly useful tool, but it's no substitute for common sense. Cars and trucks don't go down steps."