Pedestrianisation of Kirkwall: Final Comments ?

Orkney Islands Council has published its proposal for the partial pedestrianisation of Bridge Street and Albert Street in Kirkwall. Objections must be made by 5pm Friday 8 August 2025. OIC proposes to introduce a new Traffic Regulation Order which will prohibit the driving of motor vehicles on the following roads between the hours of 11…

theorkneynews

July 18, 2025

1–2 minutes

Kirkwall, News, OIC, Orkney Islands Council

Orkney Islands Council has published its proposal for the partial pedestrianisation of Bridge Street and Albert Street in Kirkwall. Objections must be made by 5pm Friday 8 August 2025.

the main street in Kirkwall with shops either side on a u morning

OIC proposes to introduce a new Traffic Regulation Order which will prohibit the driving of motor vehicles on the following roads between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, and 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily:

Bridge Street, Kirkwall.
Albert Street, Kirkwall.
Laing Street, Kirkwall.

The proposed new Traffic Regulation Order will also prohibit driving of motor vehicles on the following roads 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Bridge Street Wynd, Kirkwall.
St Olaf’s Wynd, Kirkwall.

map of the streets of Kirkwall with Bridge Street and Albert street in red

Map of Kirkwall streets with Laing St and St Olaf's wynd marked in red

Commenting Councillor Kristopher Leask, Chair of the OIC Development and Infrastructure Committee, said:

“Officers have been gathering the wide range of views on these proposals which are ultimately aimed at making the street a safer and more enjoyable place for all pedestrians during the busy lunchtime period and also late at night as licensed premises close up.

“There are many considerations to balance including ensuring blue badge holders do still have a time period each day they can access the street, and ultimately it will be for Councillors to decide if the proposals strike that balance.”

Click on this link for more information: The Orkney Islands Council (Various Streets in Kirkwall) (Prohibition of Driving) Order 2025

Objections to the proposals, specifying the grounds on which they are made, should be submitted in writing to the Director of Infrastructure and Organisational Development, Orkney Islands Council, Council Offices, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1NY or by email to nsi@orkney.gov.uk before 5pm on Friday 8 August 2025.

5 responses to “Pedestrianisation of Kirkwall: Final Comments ?”

Fiona Barker

July 18, 2025 at 9:33 am

I wonder if people with blue badges will be exempt as currently on the street. Doesn’t seem clear in the blurb. It’s all very well being safe for pedestrians but if not to the exclusion of elderly and disabled.

Loading…

Reply
1. theorkneynews
  
  July 18, 2025 at 10:23 am
  
  I believe from reading the documents that there will be a period of time when Blue Badge holders can gain access.
  
  Loading…
  
  Reply
  1. Fiona Barker
    
    July 25, 2025 at 6:29 pm
    
    I have asked the council and there is no exception for BB holders as presently in Albert St. The time they are allowed is the same as everyone else. Before 11 and after 3. Not much use for truly disabled folk.
    
    Loading…
practically5cf4a6852d

July 18, 2025 at 1:52 pm

Pedestrian…lacking in ambition! 10 – 1600 hrs would be a good first step.

Loading…

Reply
S Davidson

July 19, 2025 at 8:58 pm

Many places around the world have pedestrian areas, often in High Streets and also often in areas where tourists flock to. Generally a good thing and one definitely gets used to it. However, all these places do have sensible exemptions in place: Usually, there are certain times when delivery vehicles can bring goods to the shops, usually for a couple of hours in the morning. Blue Badge holders are normally exempt (at all times) and they are not forced to accept being limited to certain times. Also exempt are taxis. Not everybody with a disability or mobility issues has (or qualifies for) a Blue Badge. This includes some tourists. By permitting taxis to enter pedestrian areas, these people can also access shops, pharmacies, restaurants and other venues. At night it gets even more important to be able to use a taxi. Girls and/or vulnerable people would certainly not feel safe if they had to walk through a pedestrian area that could be full of drunk crowds. Also, what about people from the outer isles? Taking a car across to Kirkwall is costly. The ferry often doesn’t get in until 11 am and one needs to queue for the ferry to travel back again just after 3 pm. This means they can’t access the shops at all for bigger shopping and/or larger items.
Whilst vehicle traffic reduction in general makes sense, the currently proposed system is flawed, it is not cleverly designed, it is neither fair nor practical, and OIC should go back to the drawing board… and perhaps look how this works elsewhere in Europe.

Loading…

Reply