How we will engage with you
A stakeholder workshop was held with key stakeholders on Wednesday 29 May 2024, to introduce the project and discuss the project objectives, as well as the key problems and opportunities.
Represented at the workshop were
- Old Town Community Council
- Grassmarket Resident Association
- Mobility and Access Committee
- Spokes
- Zedify
- Edinburgh Bus User Group
- Equalities and Human Rights Network
Other stakeholder engagement
The following stakeholders were also engaged separately during Stage 1
- Lothian Bus
- McGill’s
- Coach operators and representative groups
- Edinburgh Access Panel
- Police Scotland
- City Centre Ward Councillors
- Hunter Square Working Group
- Castlehill Business Group
- Businesses on Victoria Street
- St. Giles Cathedral
- The French Institute
- The High Court
Stage 2 engagement
Although we have consulted with multiple stakeholders at Stage 1, we still need to engage on the specifics of our proposals. These include
- The timings of proposed restrictions and any exemptions that may be needed such as taxi and blue badge access
- Proposed mitigation measures to alleviate and, when possible, resolve the negative effects identified within the Integrated Impact Assessment, such as blue badge parking provision
- The management of local access requirements for residents and other essential users such as Edinburgh Castle and the Supreme Court, alongside changes to on-street parking, loading and taxi provision
- Any physical changes to the street layout including the location of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers alongside any associated impacts on the heritage environment
In addition to the stakeholders that were consulted during Stage 1, conversations will also be held with groups such as Living Streets, Sight Scotland and the Royal Institute of Blind People. Engagement will include local businesses through drop-in events. We also plan to engage with members of the public. This engagement will be two-fold an involve an online public survey, hosted on the Council’s consultation hub, and a series of in-person public drop-in opportunities.
The Lawnmarket Experimental Traffic Order (ETRO) process
From July 2025 we are proposing to carry out an experimental traffic order on Lawnmarket, Castlehill, Johnston Terrace and Castle Terrace in order to trial the impacts of introducing a pedestrian and cycle zone, so that we can monitor the impact of changes on the surrounding road network.
An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) is a legal mechanism used to introduce trial changes to the layout of a road for a limited period of 18 months.
The legal power to use an ETRO comes from the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Council follows the process set out in The Local Authorities Traffic Orders (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1999.
An ETRO may be used to introduce restrictions or prohibitions on
- parking
- loading
- movement of certain vehicles such as general traffic
ETROs can remain in place for a maximum of 18 months while we monitor and assess the effects
Statutory consultation period
The Scottish Government process for ETROs states that a public consultation must run for six months and begin when the ETRO starts.
So from July 2025 until January 2026, any member of the public or organisation will be able to make comments about the trial measures in the ETRO.
We will monitor the effects of the changes throughout the trial period. In line with the ETRO process, within 18 months a decision will be made on whether to make the changes permanent.
Future engagement
Additional engagement will be conducted during Stages 2 and 3, to ensure the public’s views and feedback are considered in the development of the design proposals. This will be done via online surveys as well as in-person drop-in events near the project area.
Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) – Stage 3
A traffic regulation orders (TROs) is a legal order which allows the Council or the police to enforce regulations including speed limits, on-street parking and one way streets. Before the Council can make changes to existing parking and loading restrictions, as well as one-way designations or road closures, they must carry out a statutory 21 day consultation before introducing a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
Redetermination Order (RSO) – Stage 3
A Redetermination Order (RSO) is required before certain changes are made to the layout of pavements, roads and cycle paths. The Council must provide an opportunity for people to comment on these changes.