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Monday 26 May 2014

Edinburgh Waverley to close to vehicles

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Waverley station will become a vehicle-free zone from Monday, June 2, following a review of access arrangements.

All taxis will be removed from the station, with passengers directed to external ranks. The new arrangements have been put in place to aid passenger and pedestrian safety.

A number of dedicated disabled travel service vehicles will continue to be granted access via special arrangement.

David Dickson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: “In recent months, we have been operating an access system for taxis only, however, we are keen to provide further improvements to passenger and pedestrian safety and a private vehicle-free Waverley will help achieve that.

“The changes which are now being implemented will further reduce the risk to passengers circulating on the south side of the station and improve air quality for all station users and staff.

“In the long term, the restrictions will also help to increase capacity for the forecast growth of the station and enable the station to comply with security guidance provided by the DfT.”

Short-term drop-off facilities for private vehicles are available on Calton Road and on-street drop-off is available on Market Street. Free short-term parking for up to 30 minutes is also available in New Street car park to the south of the station.

David Dickson added: “Waverley station is the last Network Rail managed station to allow vehicles access to the concourse. The reason that is the case is because we recognise that Waverley is situated in a location which makes access challenging.

“Waverley now has three entrances to the station which are fully accessible. Lifts permit step-free access to and from Princes Street, Market Street and Calton Road.

“We understand that removing taxis and private vehicles from the station does away with a convenience that people have become used to, however; it is our job to balance convenience with the safety and best interests of all of our station users.”

As well as creating fully accessible entrances from Princes Street, Market Street and Calton Road, Network Rail has implemented several measures which will help to ease the transition to the new pick-up and drop-off arrangements:

• New Street Car Park:

New Street car park is within the confines of the station boundary to the south of the station. New Street car park is equipped with disabled parking bays close to the new lift providing step-free access to the station’s Market Street entrance.

Free 30 minute parking is also available for passengers requiring drop-off or pick-up using a private vehicle or taxi. This will allow adequate time to reach any part of the station and return to the car.

• Dedicated mobility access vehicles:

We are committed to retaining access for organisations which provide transport to people with disabilities. Organisations and drivers which provide such a service can register with the station for continued secure access.

• Passenger assistance location:

We would encourage any passengers requiring assistance from station staff to use the Calton Road drop-off point. This drop of is equipped with a phone line manned by staff who can offer help to passengers looking to access the station.

• Taxi ranks

A taxi rank is available on Waverley Bridge, with a further rank planned on Market Street.

• Cyclists

Cyclists are asked to dismount before accessing the station

Passengers seeking more information about the changes can call Network Rail’s 24hr Helpline on 08457 11 41 41.