'This is really aimed for tourists': Readers react to car ban plan on George Street

New plans show that George street will be opened up to bikes and pedestrians and car parking will remain for blue badge holders and for loading access for businesses.

Readers of the Edinburgh Evening News have had a mixed reaction to the news.

Many are excited to see the new changes with Brian Dunajski Meiklejohn, saying: “Looks good. Very European. Bikes must be allowed and pedestrians must get used to them.

"Most of the European capitals have space for both.”

Andrew Smith added: “Looks good ...about time they got rid of unnecessary cars from the city centre…”

Debbie Pringle Paterson said: “Should close princes st and george st to cars, there is no reason for driving along them as long as you can still cross them to the mound and Lothian rd” and Colin Brown said: “An excellent idea, so long as it's done well.”

Not all readers were quite so enthusiastic, with many questioning the use of having an outdoor area for seating and socialising in Scotland.

Lynne Hainsworth said: “It's Scotland. We do not have the weather for this stuff that's why the INTERIORS of the buildings in George St are so beautiful.”

Sheila Down added: “Imagine that being a hit in the winter months.”

Many were concerned that the money could be better spent elsewhere in the city with Sandra Donnan saying: “I would rather they spent money on Princes Street, which is looking pretty shabby.”

Ross Crawford asked: “Can they not fix the mess of the roads elsewhere as well or is that asking too much!”

The plans for George Street will form part of Edinburgh City Council’s ten-year transformation project, which will see the city centre become largely car-free by 2030.

A spokesperson for Edinburgh City Council explained that the transformation was not limited to George Street, saying: “This includes the forthcoming Meadows to George Street and City Centre West to East Link schemes, which will transform walking, wheeling and cycling routes and connections across the city centre.”

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