Pedestrians on Edinburgh's busy Princes Street could use a fast lane to beat dawdling shoppers if the city's council plans are approved.

It is hoped that by having a fast and slow lane pedestrians can beat 'pavement rage'.

Councillor Jason Rust, the brainchild of the idea, said: "There may be a case for considering a pilot on Princes Street at Christmas and, if successful, this could be implemented during the festival period over summer 2009."

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Graham Bell, of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, has backed the idea: "I can see a lot of sense in this proposal. If you go on the south side of Princes Street, because of the number of bus stops and the habits of the denizens of our fair city dawdling at the stops, you have to push your way through.

"Or if you choose the wide boulevard on the north side, you're karate-ing your way through the information given by people in yellow jackets working for charities or people holding golf sale signs."

A similar scheme was launched in London's Oxford Street several years ago but lasted only a few months.

(GK/JM)