More information about the project
As of July 2025 the majority of the work to improve the setts and pavements on Lawnmarket was completed and the street has continued as a pedestrian and cycle zone that is closed to general traffic.
A servicing, loading and unloading window is available between 7pm to 10.30am every day and is one-way access from Johnston Terrace to George IV Bridge.
Further testing of the new measures
An 18 month Experimental Traffic Regulation Order will be in place from 23 February 2026. This is a formal trial of the pedestrian and cycle zone, which restricts vehicle access on Lawnmarket and Castlehill.
This means we can formally test the effects of restricting vehicles on the area and consider if there are any adjustments that may be needed.
For the first six months of this trial, you will be able to comment on the measures. Find out more about the trial process and how to comment.
Key features of the pedestrian and cycle zone
- Restrictions to all traffic between 10.30am and 7pm, Monday to Sunday
- Access for loading, servicing and blue badge holders only between 7pm and 10.30am
To support these restrictions, we also made changes to Johnston Terrace and Castle Terrace.
- Restricted access to Johnston Terrace for large vehicles when pedestrian and cycle zone is in operation
- Remove existing coach parking on Johnston Terrace
- Coach pick-up and drop-off on Castle Terrace
- Taxi and private hire pick-up and drop-off areas on Johnston Terrace
- Additional blue badge parking on Johnston Terrace
- Public and resident parking on Johnston Terrace
- Turning area for smaller vehicles including taxis and vans on Johnston Terrace
Existing resident parking bay numbers will not reduce under the trial but the locations may change in some cases.
Essential vehicles for Edinburgh Castle and to allow events to happen will still be able to access to Lawnmarket and Castlehill.
Emergency services will still be able to access all streets at any time.
