Marine Drive Road Closure Proposal

People for their views on the proposed closure of Marine Drive to motor vehicles, allowing access for only pedestrians and cyclists.

In total 638 responses were received. 68% of the responses were against the proposed closure, 30% were in favour of the closure and the remaining 2% offered general thoughts and comments but did not state whether they were for or against the closure.

Out of the total submissions, 33% of responses felt that the elderly and those who are disabled or limited mobility would be denied access if Marine Drive closed the full length.

25% of responses stated that the proposed closure would result in a severe lack of parking at either end of the closure.

17% of responses believed that the road should not be closed, and resurfacing and other maintenance works would be preferable.

10% of responses felt that a speed limit or other traffic calming measures would be better than a full closure.

A number of other ideas were raised by a small number of submissions. These were:

• Horse riders enquired if Marine Drive would be also able to be used by themselves in conjunction with pedestrians and cyclists. With the gates made to be equestrian friendly.
• A ‘Dark Skies’ site is located at the Little Ness car park. People felt that retaining access to this site would be beneficial, full closure of Marine Drive would restrict access to the site.
• A number of submissions proposed extending the current closure, rather than a full closure. This will leave sufficient parking at either end, enable access to the Dark Skies site.

Following the public consultation and a review of the options, the Minister has decided that there will be no change to the status of the road in respect of traffic regulation.