http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Holyrood Park traffic regulations set to be better enforced en Fri, 22 May 2026 01:11:01 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-98615 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:52:11 +0000 mgj 98615@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Crowriver; I think you mean <strong>motorised</strong> traffic. 'We are the traffic' after all </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-98589 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:44:54 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 98589@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Odd. The South Road is definitely closed on Sundays. At least it was last Sunday when I was there at 8am watching wildlife on Duddingston Loch in the rain (remarking to myself how much nicer it is to do so without the rumble of traffic in the background). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-98581 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:32:59 +0000 beerdrinker77 98581@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The only time the park has been closed in recent weeks (and I cycle Leith to Cam Toll almost every Sunday) was a soggy January Sunday I had the use of a car and discovered the gates were shut.</p> <p>I would well be up for pedal on park! There is absolutely no need for that road to be open to motorised vehicles on Sundays. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-97680 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:18:19 +0000 tammytroot 97680@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>How about "Pedal on Park.1" ? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-97659 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:26:15 +0000 crowriver 97659@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Time for a petition to Historic Scotland to keep the park closed to traffic on Sundays? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-97652 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:51:40 +0000 LaidBack 97652@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Last Sunday was busiest ever for cars in the park. Quite a car-fest.<br /> One 'reason' was that the hill road was closed as it was too icy to drive. HS are committed to keeping the park open for motorised through traffic (ie cars) on as many Sundays as possible. To meet this target it was necessary to open the lower road.</p> <p>Claggy Cog and I cycled back up this road side by side between bursts of traffic. Due to the fact the cyclway/footpath was iced up a runner came down the hill towards us. We merely moved out to let the guy run safely. Of course a BMW driver behind us had to use his lights and horn on him for daring to encroach on the road. We kept two abreast as he was obviously an observant driver ....</p> <p><em>"Where do these runners and cyclists think they are - a park?!"</em> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-97640 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:45:38 +0000 Min 97640@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It always seems to be open any time I go. I have never understood why they try to claim it isn't. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-97633 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:38:31 +0000 beerdrinker77 97633@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Is the park open to traffic every second Sunday now? It was full of cars on Sunday past..... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-33096 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:12:38 +0000 chdot 33096@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Update</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1761" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1761</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25820 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:07:29 +0000 Dave 25820@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It should all be 20 - certainly don't be afraid to stick to the limit where it is.</p> <p>I reckon if they made it all 20 and put down those big speed cushions, it would be a much nicer place for everybody (except the rat-runners I suppose). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25817 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 10:52:20 +0000 chdot 25817@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's official -</p> <p>"<br /> Queens Drive - Commonwealth to Duddingston (Low Road) - 30mph </p> <p>Queens Drive - Commonwealth to Parliament - 30mph </p> <p>Queens Drive - Parliament to Meadowbank - 20mph </p> <p>High Road - 20mph</p> <p>"</p> <p>Confusing? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25765 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:39:13 +0000 druidh 25765@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hmm. I have a white van. But it's not a commercial vehicle.... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25750 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:43:56 +0000 mgj 25750@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well, it isnt in one section from Holyrood to the exit at Meadowbank is 20mph (or it was last Saturday). From the roundabout at the Holyrood carpark East. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25748 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:41:46 +0000 SRD 25748@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Speed limit's 30 (at least according to the EEN). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25747 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:34:51 +0000 mgj 25747@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Anyone else tried driving at 20 mph in the section towards Meadowbank? Stressful doesnt begin to cover it when you have flashing, hooting, dangerous overtaking idiots behind you. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25731 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:32:39 +0000 Dave 25731@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Permanantly closing the park roads (excepting the bit that bypasses Parliament) is one of the few simple, free, really excellent options floating around town. Very few cities would tolerate such a valuable bit of open space being turned into a high-speed rat run.</p> <p>Of course, this IS Edinburgh...</p> <p>(As it happens I rode through this morning, at 37mph down the hill towards Parliament I was *still* going very slowly for the traffic!) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25720 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:15:26 +0000 wingpig 25720@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Aha. I was wondering why everyone and their dog was heading eastwards along Abbeyhill this morning... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25715 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:55:44 +0000 chdot 25715@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"last Sunday the road round the hill was open"</p> <p>I think it normally is.</p> <p>Can't expect most people to walk to Dunsapie! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25713 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:53:59 +0000 SRD 25713@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd be happier if they would enforce the speed limit as well. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25712 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:53:32 +0000 steveo 25712@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I fail to see why this rat run is allowed to exist. </p> <p>Though last Sunday the road round the hill was open so i was still slowing traffic as i hauled my self round. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25710 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:49:36 +0000 chdot 25710@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Park bosses are seeking to enforce a ban on "white van man" after complaints from residents of nearby Duddingston Village about increased levels of speeding traffic."</p> <p>Yeah but -</p> <p>Clearly some 'professional' drivers might tend to speed (can't remember if it's 20mph on all HP roads), but I can't imagine that 'private motorists' don't - especially if there is less traffic.</p> <p>There is one answer (not just on Sundays).</p> <p>"Historic Scotland reserves the right to close the Park roads at any time for operational or other reasons." </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-25707 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:44:14 +0000 kaputnik 25707@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/Its-a-fare-cop-for.6727737.jp">This started yesterday</a>.</p> <p>I note that two taxis were amongst the offenders caught by the Police - I have previously grumbled in person that too many taxis seem to use the park as a cut through (don't know why, surely they get paid more for taking the longer, about route). White vans also stopped. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=2155#post-22702 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:33:52 +0000 chdot 22702@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>News Release</p> <p>Not for print or publication until 00:01 1st February 2011</p> <p>HOLYROOD PARK TRAFFIC INITIATIVE</p> <p>Historic Scotland, the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police have joined forces to raise drivers’ awareness and reinforce measures to protect and preserve the natural beauty of Holyrood Park.</p> <p>Historic Scotland has been working closely with Edinburgh City Council to provide more visible traffic signage on all routes into and through the Park to make drivers aware that these roads are for the sole use of non-commercial traffic and taxis.</p> <p>During February, drivers travelling into and through the Park will be stopped and made aware of its traffic regulations.</p> <p>Following the period of educational stops there will also be random spot checks by Lothian and Borders Police throughout the Park.</p> <p>Drivers breaching the commercial vehicle restrictions or speed limit will be subject to a fixed £30 non-endorsable penalty notice under Section 75/76 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.</p> <p>Martin Gray, Historic Scotland’s Royal Parks Visitor Services Manager said:</p> <p>“Holyrood Park is a unique green space in the heart of the city. The Park’s location makes it very accessible and popular to visitors, but developments around the park have resulted in increasing levels of through-traffic, commercial vehicle misuse and speeding. Large and heavy vehicles cause accelerated wearing of roads surfaces and damage kerbs and traffic islands. They also pose a risk to park users and wildlife who enjoy the use of the Park. </p> <p>“We are very grateful to the City of Edinburgh Council and Lothian and Borders Police for their assistance in helping us address these issues, which will help protect and preserve Holyrood Park for the enjoyment of present and future generations of<br /> visitors.”</p> <p>Inspector Nadine Aliane from Lothian and Borders Police added: ”Lothian and Borders Police is committed to working with local communities and partner agencies to improve quality of life throughout Edinburgh.</p> <p>“We know that by enforcing these traffic regulations, we are helping preserve an area of natural beauty that can be enjoyed by people across the city, as well as easing traffic congestion for people who live in the vicinity of the park.</p> <p>“We understand that this enforcement can’t come in isolation, so we will undertake a series of educational events to make sure people are fully aware of the law and aren’t unnecessarily penalised.”</p> <p>Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, Edinburgh’s Transport Convener, said: “I welcome this joint initiative and the benefits that it will bring not only Holyrood Park but also to the residents in the surrounding areas.”</p> <p>For information:</p> <p>Holyrood Park and its roads are cared for by Historic Scotland. The 650 acre site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Park has its own Ranger Service whose roles include monitoring and protection of the Park environs and promotion of its unique landscape, history and bio-diversity through close interaction with park users, schools, and other special interest groups. </p> <p>As a Royal Park, Holyrood is protected under the framework of The Parks Regulations Acts, 1872 to 1974, The Holyrood Park Regulations 1971 and subsequent amendments. These regulations stipulate speed limits and prohibit commercial vehicle access through the Park.</p> <p>Coaches (vehicles designed to seat more than seven passengers (in addition to the driver) require the written permission of the Scottish Ministers to use Holyrood Park. Coach drivers must obtain a permit which is valid for 12 calendar months, commencing on the 1st April until the 31st March which must be clearly displayed.</p> <p>Coach Permits are issued in two formats:</p> <p>· Standard Permit – This format relates to an individual coach and will include the vehicle registration number.</p> <p>· Tour Guide (TG) Permit – This format will be issued on an individual basis to guides. These permits will include a passport size photo of the guide together with their TG number. A coach carrying a TG does not require a Standard Coach Permit.</p> <p>Coach Permits are only valid while coaches are carrying passengers. Empty coaches travelling through the Park will be classed as commercial vehicles and are liable to a fixed penalty notice if stopped by Lothian &amp; Borders Police.</p> <p>Permits only allow coaches access to the Queens Drive and High Road and do not allow access to the Low Road between Holyrood Park Road (Commonwealth Pool) and Old Church Lane (Duddingston Village).</p> <p>Historic Scotland reserves the right to close the Park roads at any time for operational or other reasons.</p> <p>The Coach Permit Scheme requires a considerable amount of administration and therefore will carry an administration charge (£10 per permit as of 1st April 2011 ) which will be determined by Historic Scotland and notified to new applicants, previous holders, coach companies and Tour Guides prior to April of the following year.</p> <p>Educational groups travelling by coach and using facilities provided by Historic Scotland in Holyrood Park will continue to be provided with an exemption letter, by Historic Scotland, which will cover the coach or coaches involved on the date of their visit. For such visits, coach operators will not require a Standard Coach Permit.</p> <p>A permit is not required by coaches using the roundabouts and road section within the Park located on the Queens Drive between the Horse Wynd entrance and Holyrood Park Gait entrance.</p> <p>Coaches carrying disabled passengers and displaying a valid Blue Badge are also exempt from requiring a Permit.</p> <p>Lothian &amp; Borders Police are entitled to stop and check that vehicles are carrying valid permits. Drivers who do not have a valid permit or exemption letter, will be liable to a fixed penalty notice. Historic Scotland staff are entitled to check the permits of any stationary vehicle within the Park.</p> <p>" </p>