HC Deb 05 July 1989 vol 156 cc216-7W
Mr. Darling

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the proposal of Lothian regional council to amend traffic regulations on Princes street, Edinburgh; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Under schedule 9, part II of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, my right hon. and learned Friend is considering Lothian regional council's proposals to facilitate the flow of vehicular traffic on Princes street, Edinburgh, by increasing the restricted hours for waiting, loading and unloading to 24 hours of every day and the prohibited hours to 8 am to 6 pm of every day subsequent to the widening of the north footway. The order includes provisions to facilitate orange badge holders' parking in streets adjacent to Princes street following the removal of the present facility to park on Princes street as a result of footway widening and additional waiting restrictions.

Thirteen representations have been received on this subject. These fall broadly into three categories: (a) objections from disabled people about the exclusion of orange badge holders from Princes street; (b) objections from traders in Princes street about loading/unloading difficulties; (c) objections from people anticipating the possible future complete pedestrianisation of Princes street.

Full consideration is being given to all the representations I have received. I hope to give my decision soon.