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Edinburgh loading system abandoned By Ashleigh Wight

5th September 2013
Page 7
Page 7, 5th September 2013 — Edinburgh loading system abandoned By Ashleigh Wight
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THE CITY OF Edinburgh Council has said that operators in the area have snubbed a proposed system where loading and unloading spaces can be pre-booked, despite one haulier telling CM that loading is still a major problem in the area.

In its draft local transport strategy, which sets out transport development plans between 2014 and 2019, the council said an automated system aimed at assisting with loading and unloading problems received little interest from operators. But David Burns, MD at Penicuik-based David W Burns Haulage, said a system where

loading bays could be pre-booked is a "common-sense idea': "It's a nightmare," he said. "When you're driving towards the tram lines you can't use the bus lane to unload, but there is nowhere else to go."

Burns said he would welcome the opportunity for operators to consult with the council to improve the layout of roads to assist with both reducing congestion and loading.

A study by South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran), which the council cited in its report, also identified operators' concerns with congestion, parking enforcement, confusion over restrictions and loading bays being used by the public. Clive Brown, project officer of strategic

planning at The City of Edinburgh Council, said the study was prompted by complaints that the previous transport strategy did not cover loading and unloading goods vehicles.

"There are issues at central locations, such as Hanover Street, Nicholson Street and Broughton Street; however, the locations with the highest levels of infringement were at Morningside Road and Bruntsfield Place, both outside the city centre.These two locations are local centres, with high concentrations of retail activity," Brown said. The report also said that the council will consider becoming more involved in developing lorry parks in the area if commercial lorry parks "[prove] inadequate on environmental grounds':


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