Parking ban in Edinburgh to give pedestrians more space

On-street parking is set to be temporarily banned from high streets across Edinburgh.

Edinburgh City Council has drawn up the plans in order to “facilitate social distancing” for pedestrians and cyclists.

The parking ban would take effect on roads in and around Corstorphine, Easter Road and Great Junction Street, Gorgie and Dalry, Minto Street, Morningside, Portobello, Queensferry, Stockbridge and Tollcross.

Loading bays and disabled parking spaces would be exempt.

Plans are also in place to widen footways and reduce “street clutter” in the areas.

If approved, parking bans and other changes to roads will be implemented under emergency powers using a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, transport leader for the council, said: “We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to our ambitious programme of changes and groups such as [cycling charity] Spokes are being extremely supportive.

“These are unprecedented times and we’re working hard to deliver, as part of the bigger initiative, a substantial set of nine town centre plans in two phases as quickly as possible to make it easier to walk, cycle and wheel while maintaining physical distancing.

“We also need to take account of public transport and businesses operating in each area.”

However, the east Scotland branch of the Federation for Small Business warned shops could lose out on customers as a result of the measure.

Garry Clark, east of Scotland development manager for the Federation, said: “The Federation of Small Business has definitely not been consulted on these specific proposals.

“For a business that relies very heavily on local people shopping these plans may not be a big issue.

“But for those businesses that have a wider customer base across or outside of the city, these changes may well be an issue.”

Story by local democracy reporter Noa Hoffman