LARGE parts of Edinburgh city centre would become pedestrianised under plans for a more continental-style atmosphere, The Scotsman can reveal. Large sections of Princes Street and George Street would be all but free of traffic with radical plans being explored.

The moves were revealed as the council finally ditched plans to reopen Princes Street to pedestrians only for the festive season, after the idea was branded "too risky" by retailers and business leaders. The council has revealed buses could be restricted to travelling one way along both Princes Street and George Street once the trams scheme is up and running.