Information on access for local residents and businesses
Each year during the busy summer period, we temporarily close or restrict access to certain city centre streets to accommodate the many visitors to attractions, the summer festivals and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Removing or restricting vehicle traffic during this busy time of year, improves the safety, comfort and accessibility for anyone walking, wheeling and cycling in the area, while making sure that local residents and businesses can still get the access and deliveries they need.
From 24 July we will start to introduce these changes, which will be in place until 7 September.
If you have any questions about these temporary changes or have specific requests such as moving house and access for removal vehicles, please email us. This mailbox will be monitored regularly during working hours and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Blue Badge holders
If you have a Blue Badge you can park at all pay and pisplay and shared use spaces as well as yellow lines (without loading prohibition) free of charge and without time limit. You can also get a free residents’ parking permit if you do not already have one.
Home deliveries
If you are planning any shopping or other deliveries to your home, you should organise for them to arrive when the streets are open. Outside these times, and in some closed streets, delivery drivers may need to park some distance away from you. We would be grateful if you could make sure that your delivery drivers and companies are aware of the changes. Goods delivered by bike or on foot will not be affected.
Loading and servicing for businesses
You will need to make sure that your business waste collections are completed before the affected streets close. You may have to place your waste collection in an alternative location.
We have contacted trade waste companies to make them aware of these changes.
The changes also mean that loading and servicing must take place during the period the streets are open, generally overnight between 7pm and 10.30am.
Outside of these times, and in some closed streets, suppliers and delivery drivers may need to park some distance away from your location to make deliveries.
Please make sure that your supplier or delivery drivers are aware of the changes and the potential impacts on their delivery schedules.
In exceptional circumstance some access for loading and servicing may be considered. Please email us 72 hours in advance to request access.
Places of worship
If you need closer access for worship or ceremonies during vehicle-free hours, email us in advance to let us know what you need. Our team will work hard to try to help wherever possible.
Special arrangements
We realise there may be a few specific, one-off reasons where you may need to arrange for vehicle access – for example if you are moving into a new property and need access for a removals vehicle. In these instances, please email us in advance.
We recognise that these changes may impact on your daily activities and we are extremely grateful for your patience and support with making Edinburgh a welcoming city.