Radical Edinburgh Festival road closures to reduce risks of accidents on Old Town streets
Sweeping new road closures and other safety measures will be rolled out across Edinburgh’s Old Town every day for more than a month to accommodate the vast crowds who descend on the area for its world-famous festivals.
Some of the busiest hot-spots will be closed to cars, buses and taxis for all or part of the day from the end of July until early September under radical proposals aimed at reducing the risk of “overspill” of pedestrians into oncoming vehicles.
However, city leaders said they would tie in with their long-time ambitions of making the city a “more attractive, people-friendly place, prioritising walking and cycling”.
Cameras will be installed at ten locations to monitor the impact of the temporary measures, which have been in the planning by the city council, the police and transport operators for nearly two years.
They will see new sections of the Royal Mile, as well as Victoria Street, Cockburn Street, Hunter Square and Blair Street, sealed off to traffic for the first time in August.
A temporary crossing is being introduced outside the Pleasance Courtyard.
East Adam Street will be closed to traffic to try to improve safety outside one of the busiest Fringe venues.
A night-time car ban in the Cowgate is being extended to start at 7pm, three hours earlier than normal, while Candlemaker Row will be closed to all vehicles except the No 2 Lothian Buses services.
However, closing most of the Royal Mile is expected to lead to the re-routing of the No 35 service, while a lane of traffic on South Bridge is to be removed to ease congestion problems.
The measures have been drawn up in response to growing demand to tackle traffic congestion and safety fears during peak periods from heritage bodies, community groups and environmental campaigners.
However, business leaders have raised fears about the impact of “disrupted deliveries and lost trade” on firms within the affected areas.
In a report for councillors, place director Paul Lawrence said: “The proposals bring significant change to the way the Old Town operates, with many benefits for the most vulnerable users of our streets, including young and old pedestrians, and those with limited mobility or sensory impairment.
“The measures required to achieve this rely on changes relating to vehicle access, limiting where and when people can drive through streets, park, access businesses by car, load and service businesses. As far as possible, measures have been devised to minimise the impacts of these changes on residents and businesses carrying out day-to-day activities.”
Council transport convener Lesley Macinnes said: “We’re very fortunate to live in such a popular, vibrant city, boasting an excellent calendar of events andworld-famousattractions.
“However, with this comes the pressure of ensuring the safety and well-being of the many residents and visitors who pass through our streets every day.
“These temporary measures will reduce pressure on busy pavements, making it much easier for residents to carry on with their daily lives, whilst creating a more relaxed, welcoming atmosphere at a time when Edinburgh is at its busiest.
“This ties in with our broader aims to make Edinburgh a more attractive, peoplefriendly place, prioritising walking and cycling.”
Garry Clark, development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “City centre businesses are getting a bit fed up with the constant attacks by the council on traffic movement.
“Some businesses will, of course, welcome what could be an additional flow of pedestrians, but for others there will be disrupted deliveries and lost trade. It’s time that the council took all perspectives into account before making these decisions.”