The New Town and Broughton Community Council (NTBCC) were represented, on 5 September 2023, at the George Street and First New Town Project stakeholder meeting devoted to accessibility. We wish to respond to the request for comments, due by today’s date.

We believe George Street should at all times be accessible for essential vehicles including taxis and hire cars, both for the disabled and for those arriving at and leaving accommodation on the street. We understand that taxis and private hire cars suit different types of disability and both should be allowed.

To ensure that the street is not dominated by traffic, we also suggest that a 10-mph limit be encouraged, and whenever possible enforced, for all vehicles including bicycles, e-bikes and other types of light electric vehicle.

We are also in favour of any schemes or provisions that enable visitors to locate toilets along or near the street. If the street is to be a destination for visitors and residents, then toilet facilities, in some form, are essential.

If underground surveys have indeed been conducted, we call on the City of Edinburgh Council and their contractors to make the data public as soon as possible, so the implications of the locations of existing basements, utilities, drains and sewers can be understood and factored into designs.

Simon Holledge, 

NTBCC Engagement Officer 

12 September 2023

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