WHAT THE PEOPLE SAY

The Scotsman asked locals and festival-goers alike if they believed the full length of the Royal Mile should be pedestrianised during next year’s Edinburgh Festival.

Opinions ranged from a “no-brainer” to concerns about what routes buses and taxis would take. However, the Cockburn Association feels the pressure needs to be relieved in the Canongate and Lawnmarket areas that currently have access that is unrestricted.

Tim Simpson, from Edinburgh, said:

“There needs to be more clarification of the proposal. “For example how would deliveries in and out of hotels and the castle work? Would bikes still be allowed?”

Baillie Smith, of Leith, said:

“Cars and taxis should be banned. Crossing the roads are so dangerous – there are so many people and cars mixing. “But we still need all the bus routes. “Maybe removing other vehicles from town would speed up the routes in summer.”

Cameron Phoenix, from Canada, said:

“In Montreal there is a Festival and they close the centre down to traffic which makes a really great atmosphere. They do street art in the middle of the street. There is a huge amount of foot traffic so it is a no brainer.”

Hanni Shinton, from Currie, said:

“I live way out of town so how would bus routes manage? I need it to get to work. I don’t think pedestrianising Princes Street is a good idea, it would be chaos. Where would taxis and buses go?”