Holyrood ban on white van man to be driven home

DRIVERS who flout regulations in Holyrood Park are set to be fined as part of a new crackdown on through-traffic.

The initiative will see police target so-called "white van men", drivers of commercial vehicles who are illegally using the park to avoid the city centre.

The move comes after it emerged park bosses were considering a ban on all traffic in light of safety concerns due to rising traffic levels in nearby Duddingston Village.

Throughout February drivers will be stopped and made aware of the park's traffic regulations, which ban commercial vehicles and limit speeds to 30mph.

Police intend to stop and check that vehicles are carrying valid permits.

Drivers who do not have a valid permit or exemption letter, will be hit with a 30 fine.

Martin Gray, visitor services manager for Historic Scotland's royal parks, said: "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 road surfaces and damage kerbs and traffic islands. They also pose a risk to park users and wildlife."

He added: "We are very grateful to the council and Lothian and Borders Police for their assistance in helping address these issues, which will help protect and preserve Holyrood Park for the enjoyment of visitors."

Inspector Nadine Aliane, of Lothian and Borders Police, added: "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.

"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."

Last year it emerged that banning traffic altogether from Holyrood Park was one of a number of options being considered to reduce the level of vehicles in the area.

Residents in Duddingston Village say increasing numbers of vehicles have led to road safety concerns and a rising number of road rage incidents.

Duddingston Village Conservation Society has called for an existing ban on commercial vehicles to be enforced, but has stopped short of calling for Holyrood Park to be closed to all traffic.

Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, the city'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 surrounding areas."