Pilot scheme in drive to ease congestion at castle

HERITAGE bosses have announced plans to introduce new traffic measures to improve congestion in and around Edinburgh Castle.

Historic Scotland is to run the three-week pilot scheme to assess new traffic reduction measures on the approaches to the iconic landmark. The organisation said the aim of the exercise was to make the esplanade and surrounding area more attractive and less congested so they can be better enjoyed by visitors.

It is hoped that coach traffic will be halved by allowing passengers to be dropped off on the esplanade and then collected at the top of Johnston Terrace. Other traffic which is not essential to the running or safety of the castle would also be restricted.

Historic Scotland had wanted the pilot scheme to run for two months but backed down after hearing concerns about the current economic situation and the number of Capital roadworks.

Chris Watkins, Historic Scotland's head of major projects, said: "A short pilot scheme will run for three weeks in July when coaches will drop off visitors on the esplanade and pick them up again at the top of Johnston Terrace."

The trial is scheduled to take place from Monday 6 July to Sunday 26 July.