Edinburgh should learn lessons from Dundee about traffic, pedestrianisation and parking – Helen Martin

Dundee has replaced some parking with outdoor seating for the public, but they worked closely with local businesses and residents to find the right balance, writes Helen Martin

The St James Quarter will have 1500 parking spaces when complete

DO you recall the council plan for redesigning the city, having buses go around and stop a little bit out of the centre, with inner streets devoted to pedestrianisation and cyclists, and cars blocked out altogether?

I remember suggesting to leader Adam McVey by email that it might be helpful to have a modern style of rickshaw to help the elderly or disabled reach these destinations from bus stops, such as George Street featuring trees, wide pavements and cycle paths. He was open to that.

It’s very interesting now to discover that the St James Quarter “poo-style” creation, described as a shopping and leisure complex, will have 1500 parking places. How do drivers get in? I’m sure there’s an answer.

It intrigues me though, as well as information from Annie Marrs who heads up Dundee’s Unesco City of Design, about how they have replaced parked cars in Union Street with planters and outdoor seating for the public.

I asked about deliveries and trades vans and she said: “It’s only closed to traffic between 11am and 4pm, outside that closure they can access. They can also apply to the council for special permissions.”

She went on to say that there were lots of parking and loading bays nearby and added: “We were committed to working closely with the 26 businesses on the street, landlords and residents, to find the balance, and test and review that now.”

Perhaps it would be a good idea for Edinburgh Council to have a wee chat with Dundee.

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