Council plan to ban traffic on 'European boulevard' George Street - your views online

George Street

Edinburgh City Council has rolled out their plans to create a ‘European boulevard feel’ on George Street, that will see cars banned from the area

Lee Wood

This is welcome, but it still looks pretty grey. Street Sustainable Drainage Systems #SuDS, including rain gardens and trees, manage rainwater to prevent surface water flooding and alleviate pressure on our largely Victorian sewer system, while delivering additional amenity and biodiversity benefits. #GeorgeStreet HAGSA - Housing And Green Space Activism.

Anne Reid

Never mind creating more street changes, just fix the potholes, get rid of the Spaces for People which cause traffic jams (people still need to use cars to get to work, we’re not all councillors who have meetings at 10am), fix the pavements so people can walk on them without tripping, and think about the disabled who need to drive and park! Once that’s all fixed, then start thinking about new plans, which will probably be in 50 years because it is somehow beyond them to tarmac a road properly.

Ruth Durie

George Street has been closed before. I am sure cars can manage without one street, despite the odd driver who clearly feels their life will be ruined. In these Covid times, giving the businesses on the street some ability to utilise the outdoors makes sense.

Ruth Hearton Tallanta

Hope this does not go ahead. I'm sure there are more pressing things this money could be used for!

Devon Longstone

It’s a great idea. You could have beautiful flower gardens running down the centre, benches to sit and also have cafes with an outdoor seating area. Finally a good idea from the council!

Tom MacDonald

I never think of taking the car anywhere near Princes Street or George Street and when it’s rammed with the rest of the world, I don’t take myself there either - so crack on for me. Deliveries,tour buses, taxis, emergency vehicles, disabled

traffic pushed to Queen Street and beyond. £1 to a penny they find a way for the cyclists, though!

Belinda Wilson

What about us people who live outside Edinburgh and drive to the city to use its restaurants, shops and entertainment? Create reasonably priced multi-storeys for us to park our cars and then spend our money creating revenue for your city!

Tom Young

The council’s biggest money earning through parking is, erm, George Street, which is around £6 an hour. As they are currently awash with cash and bearing in mind the millions this will cost to relevel roads, pavements etc, it’s a cracking idea.

Robbie Howie

Looks great, much rather have outdoor alfresco dining than cars parked and fumes.

Scott Robertson

What about tradesmen working in the street/area who rely on parking here? Lockdown has turned the council power happy.

Garry Sprott

Great idea- change George Street from a car park to a trendy eating area!

Paul Klak

To be honest, I think there is more important things to spend the money on – homelessness, poverty . . .

David Black

I knew it had to happen some time, but I actually agree with Macinnes on this. It will benefit locals and tourists alike. The fewer cars around the city the better.

Pamela Fowler

If it’s going to be pedestrianised there shouldn’t be bikes.The number of accidents lately because bikes go too fast and crash into pedestrians. The council have spent a ridiculous amount of money changing the roads in loads of areas to make them cyclist friendly, so they shouldn’t be going into pedestrianised areas.

Peter Wilkie

Edinburgh is a city with fantastic views, so why spend lots of money on a street with only views of shops? Princes Street has one of the best views in the world but is looking very down at heel at the moment. Upgrading this street would truly make Edinburgh better for both locals and tourists.

Agnes Whyler

George Street has a gale that blows from one end to the other most of the time. Bikes are a hazard in pedestrian areas. Try of the nice walkways and take your life in your hands, especially if you don't hear them coming.

Douglas McIntosh

Nice image of lovely people sitting in the sun. Who remembers the trial pedestrianisation a few years ago? It was Baltic. The only people sitting outside were the smokers and the jakeys! George Street is a wind tunnel... when will they learn we're not the Riviera?​​​​​​​