More information about the project
What is happening now
As of July 2025 the majority of the work improve the setts and pavements on Lawnmarket was completed and the street has continued as a pedestrian and cycle zone that is closed to general traffic.
This is part of the Summertime Streets closures and restrictions to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors to the area.
A servicing, loading and unloading window will be available between 7pm to 10.30am every day and will be one-way access from Johnston Terrace to George IV Bridge.
What is happening next
Following the information session in April 2025, we are working to put an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) in place to further trial the pedtrian and cycle zone, which restricts vehicle access on Lawnmarket and Castlehill.
We plan to start this trial in the autumn once the busy summer period is over.
The purpose of this trial is to further test the impacts of restricting vehicles on Lawnmarket and Castlehill during the rest of the year, considering any futher adjustments that may be required. This will be done under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).
We will update the website with more information nearer the time, and also notify local residents.
The key elements of the trial at Lawnmarket are:
- Restrictions to all traffic between 10.30am and 7pm, Monday to Sunday
- Access for loading, servicing and blue badge holders only between 7pm and 10.30am
To support these restrictions, we will make changes to Johnston Terrace and Castle Terrace
- Restricted access to Johnston Terrace for large vehicles when pedestrian and cycle zone is in operation
- Remove existing coach parking on Johnston Terrace
- Coach pick-up and drop-off on Castle Terrace
- Taxi and private hire pick-up and drop-off areas on Johnston Terrace
- Additional blue badge parking on Johnston Terrace
- Public and resident parking on Johnston Terrace
- Turning area for smaller vehicles including taxis and vans on Johnston Terrace
Existing resident parking bay numbers will not reduce under the trial but the locations may change in some cases.
Essential vehicles for Edinburgh Castle and to allow events to happen will still be able to access to Lawnmarket and Castlehill.
Emergency services will still be able to access all streets at any time.