Streets ‘traffic-free’ for festivals

– and made much safer – by excluding much motor traffic from city centre streets during August. Each year, this becomes more urgent – it’s come to the stage that new barriers have been widely used to keep pedestrians off the road.”

Mr Mcvey said: “We’re already taking positive strides towards improving the balance for residents. This summer festival activity spread further afield to Leith, while Cockburn Street was pedestrianised to help ease congestion, and public transport increased in frequency. In addition to 24-7 buses, Edinburgh Trams introduced a late-night timetable, which clearly proved popular – this was their busiest August yet.

“In the longer term, we’re committed to improving pedestrian access, not just during August but throughout the year. We want to make travel by foot or by bike as safe and enjoyable as possible. Opening up the city to create welcoming, accessible public spaces and transport will be central to this.”