Fed-up Edinburgh locals say 'ghost vehicles abandoned on street' outside homes

Fed-up Edinburgh residents street claim a 'significant number' of vehicles are being left 'abandoned and decaying' on their street as they raised safety concerns to a local MSP.

Craighall Road, Newhaven, has reportedly become a hotspot for abandoned cars and campervans, with locals also fearing for the safety of children who have allegedly been seen playing in them.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs spoke with several concerned residents who made him aware of the issue and said reports of vehicles being abandoned on the street are "concerning."

READ MORE: Five Scotland fans 'hurt' in horror crash after arriving in Germany from Edinburgh

READ MORE: Plans to demolish Edinburgh home for block of flats granted after four-year battle

The MSP took a picture of one pickup truck seemingly in a state of disrepair and after looking on Google Maps street view, what appears to be the same vehicle - covered in mould and no plates - was parked in the same spot in June 2023.

In the background, several white campervans can also be seen parked further along the road - which are also visible on Google's street view taken from June 2023.

Mr Briggs has since written to the council's Chief Executive to establish what is being done to remove the vehicles and take wider action. After contacting the council, a spokesperson told Edinburgh Live it is aware of the issue and is investigating.

Miles Briggs said: "I was concerned when speaking to local residents on Craighall Road that they are seeing significant numbers of decaying and abandoned vehicles in the area.

Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

"More troubling still was the reports that followed from constituents who mentioned that children had been seen playing in them, which could be incredibly dangerous.

"It is clear that the area has become an area where vehicles are being abandoned or parked on our streets.

Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages

“I have written to the Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council to ask what is being done to ensure these vehicles are removed and what wider action is being taken to address the issue of vehicles being abandoned in communities.”

A spokesperson for Edinburgh Council confirmed it is aware of the issue and is currently investigating.