More information for businesses and residents
Where and when is loading permitted along the route?
Loading and unloading is still available for businesses and residents along the trial route at the times shown on signs. Where there are single yellow lines and/or single kerb blip markings (dashes), you can load or unload outside the restricted times, including within bus lanes.
Loading times do vary along the route but, in general, it is allowed for much of the day, including during periods when the new bus lane times are operating.
More information on permitted loading times.
Why is a weekend loading restriction proposed between Easter Road and Willowbrae Gardens?
Lothian Buses journey time data shows that the most significant delays are between Easter Road and Willowbrae Gardens, in the middle of the day, at weekends. A restriction between 11am and 2pm is expected to help reduce those delays.
Other parts of the route do not have weekend loading restrictions as the evidence did not show the same bus delays and variations in journey times.
We will monitor journey times throughout the trial to see if the restrictions are making a difference.
How long can I stop to load or unload?
You can usually stop for up to 30 minutes when loading is allowed, as long as loading or unloading is actively taking place.
In exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to apply for dispensation to allow for longer periods of loading and unloading, such as for home removals.
Find out more about parking dispensation.
Will there be enough capacity for loading activity?
The trial isn't significantly reducing the amount of space for loading which will be similar to what is already available. It is mainly the times that are changing.
How did you assess the loading and servicing needs for businesses?
We did loading surveys in early December 2024 so we could understand how businesses use the route. We also carried out an Integrated Impact Assessment which looks at potential impacts on everyone who may use the route.
The loading surveys showed that around 75% of weekday loading on the surveyed sections between Abbeyhill and Jock's Lodge already takes place between 10am and 4pm. Loading is still allowed at these times in the trial. The surveys also showed that loading is generally lower at weekends than on weekdays, particularly on Sundays.
The aim of the surveys is to keep the impact on deliveries and servicing to a minimum while supporting bus journey reliability.
We will monitor activity during the trial with more loading surveys and by talking to businesses.
How will businesses and deliveries be affected?
Businesses will still be able to get deliveries and collections outside the loading restriction times, including in bus lanes.
Better bus journey times and reliability will help to make the area more accessible by public transport, including for employees, customers and visitors. Some businesses may need to adapt and change how they manage deliveries, servicing and customer access.
How will tradespeople get access to properties with their tools and equipment?
You can still load and unload for much of the day during the times when loading is permitted, including on bus lanes. Please check the signs for the correct times.
There is still access to properties along the route where there are single yellow lines and/or single kerb blip markings (dashes), including within bus lanes.
Will bin and recycling collections be affected?
Council bin lorries are exempt from certain loading restrictions.
Commercial waste collection vehicles can still stop at locations where loading is allowed for much of the day, including within bus lanes.