Tuesday March 10th 2026
North Berwick High Street
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Measures to enhance North Berwick High Street while increasing safety and accessibility were approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 10 March.
The Cabinet agreed to make permanent the prohibition of parking on the High Street from thebjunction at Quality Street to the junction at Market Place.
Widened footways, lowered kerbs and loading/unloading bays to support local businesses and blue badge holders had also been introduced under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) which came into effect last April.
The ETRO enabled the council to monitor the changes in practice and allow for public feedback and engagement as people experienced the measures on the ground. ETROs can only remain in place for 18 months before its decided whether they should be made permanent, amended, or removed.
The Cabinet were told engagement with traders over the new loading bays during a six-month consultation period met a “favourable” response while the North Berwick Business Association, which represents 32 businesses in the east end of the High Street, requested that the bay outside the former police station be made permanent.
Although the data needs to be fully ratified, the Cabinet heard monitoring tubes installed at this location indicated “no concern” over air quality following the changes.
The meeting heard eight objections were received over the ETRO, primarily relating to the loading bay outside the former police station, its misuse by motorists parking there, and the loss of this amenity space.
Council officers told elected members the introduction of the parking management scheme in North Berwick will result in better enforcement by additional parking attendants of any misuse while businesses reported the loading bays were “well used”.
Officers believe the space had been improved by widening the footway while also retaining the existing benches and planters.
Council officers offered face-to-face meetings with each of the objectors. Three in-person meetings were held in December although none of the objections were ultimately withdrawn or amended.
The Cabinet approved the recommendation that the ETRO be made permanent without modifications.
These improvements represent the completion of the second and final phase of the North Berwick High Street: Safety and Access project which was approved by Council in April 2023.
Cllr McMillan, the council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said:
“The High Street is a busy shopping destination with a high level of footfall, but narrow footways and vehicle traffic have caused safety and accessibility issues.
“Following extensive engagement and consultation with residents, businesses and local groups over several years, the council looked at ways to improve pedestrian access while increasing road safety and reducing traffic congestion.
“The ETRO provided an opportunity to monitor these measures in practice and consider the community’s feedback. The council received a large number of positive comments about the work and layout which was designed to enhance the area and support those who live or work in the High Street along with its many visitors.”
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