The implementation of a traffic ban on Edinburgh’s dangerous Cowgate area was delayed due to funding issues, prior to a fatal bus crash that occurred recently. The decision to close Cowgate to some or all through traffic was initially made by councillors earlier in the year, with hopes of a complete closure by the summer festival season. However, the ban was postponed, and urgent calls are now being made by councillors to accelerate the closure following the tragic incident that claimed the life of a 74-year-old man.
A report presented to the transport committee in February highlighted the inadequate pavement widths and the risks faced by pedestrians due to the busy carriageway. Plans for an experimental traffic order to close the street were approved but later put on hold in May due to funding uncertainties. Efforts to secure funding for the trial shutdown from organizations like Sustrans faced challenges, leaving councillors uncertain about when financial support would be available.
Transport committee member Danny Aston emphasized the need to address the dangers faced by pedestrians on Cowgate as soon as possible. He described the ongoing risk and stressed the urgent need for changes to ensure safety in the area, particularly for pedestrians navigating the narrow pavements. Police Scotland is investigating the recent incident, which prompted caution against sharing distressing content online.
Edinburgh’s current transport convener, Stephen Jenkinson, expressed the council’s commitment to enhancing safety in the city center and extended sympathies to the family of the deceased. Calls have been made by various stakeholders for proactive measures to address road safety hazards in the Cowgate area. Notably, David Hunter from Living Streets advocated for broader plans to reduce or eliminate traffic from both Cowgate and the Royal Mile.
The delay in implementing the traffic ban has sparked discussions about the challenges of securing funding and implementing safety measures promptly in historic areas like the Old Town. There is a consensus among officials about the need to prioritize pedestrian safety in the Cowgate area and explore feasible solutions to enhance the urban environment for all road users. As investigations continue into the recent tragic incident, the focus remains on improving road safety and creating a more pedestrian-friendly city center.