Festival street access in Old Town
We know that residents, businesses and visitors face challenges in the Old Town during the busy summer festival period.
To make the streets easier and safer to walk around, we are putting in place temporary arrangements between 15 July and 30 September 2024.
You can find more information on roadworks and travel disruptions by following Edintravel on
There will also be short-term restrictions for other events. Information on those restrictions will be published on street and at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/edintravel as and when they are available.
If you have any questions about these closures, please email us. This mailbox will be monitored regularly during working hours and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Blue Badge holders
Blue Badge holders can park at all Pay and Display, Shared Use, yellow lines (without loading prohibition) free of charge and without time limit. Blue Badge holders can also get a free residents’ parking permit if they do not already have one.
Home deliveries
If you are planning any shopping or other deliveries to your home, you should organise for them to arrive when the streets are open. Outside these times, and in some closed streets, delivery drivers may need to park some distance away from you. We would be grateful if you could make sure that your delivery drivers/companies are aware of the changes. Goods delivered by bike or on foot will not be affected.
Loading and servicing for businesses
You will need to make sure that your business waste collections are completed before the affected streets close. You may have to place your waste collection in an alternative location.
We have contacted trade waste companies to make them aware of these changes.
The changes also mean that loading and servicing must take place during the period the streets are open, generally overnight between 7pm and 10.30am.
Outside of these times, and in some closed streets, suppliers and delivery drivers may need to park some distance away from your location to make deliveries.
Please make sure that your supplier or delivery drivers are aware of the changes and the potential impacts on their delivery schedules.
Places of worship
If you need closer access for worship or ceremonies during vehicle-free hours, email us in advance to let us know what you need. Our team will work hard to try to help wherever possible.
Special arrangements
We realise there may be a few specific, one-off reasons where you may need to arrange for vehicle access – for example if you are moving into a new property and need access for a removals vehicle. In these instances, please email us in advance.
We recognise that these changes may impact on your daily activities and we are extremely grateful for your patience and support with making Edinburgh a welcoming city.