Princes Street

Sitting on the top deck of the bus making it's way along Princes Street this morning I was dismayed to see the huge pillars that have been erected to carry the tran cables spoiling the iconic view of the Calton Hill, Scot Monument and the NB clock tower.
I remember the era when Princes Street had clear rules about no traffic lights, only quality shops e.g. Jenners, Frost's, Melroses Tea ect. were allowed to trade. Street furniture and shop signs were highly regulated and the road sweepers wore white boiler suits.
This today is progress?