What are we proposing?

We are considering a number of options for managing how vehicles access the High Street and Lowfield Street for deliveries/pick-ups etc.

The options suggested set out when bollards could be lowered and raised to create a safer, more attractive and enjoyable High Street that also serves local business.

The different options for timings we’re considering to make the High Street Safer:

Option One: 24 hour pedestrianisation (Closed to vehicles)

• Under this option the High Street and Lowfield Street (north of Market Street) will be fully pedestrianised: all loading or any stopping on the High Street will be prevented 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
• This option could only be enforced with physical restrictions preventing any vehicle entering the area at any time, i.e.bollards will be in the raised position at all times allowing access for authorised vehicles including market vehicles and emergency vehicles. Staff resource would be required to lower the bollards when these accesses are required.
• While this would offer the highest level of protection to pedestrians, informal consultation with local traders has made it clear that some would struggle to manage if this option were taken forward. We remain in contact with businesses regarding this. 

Option Two: Restrictions on vehicle access to align with existing restrictions (Closed to vehicles between 10am and 5pm)

• This option would see vehicle restrictions align with the existing pedestrian and cycle zone TRO (Traffic Regulation Order), with loading allowed between 5pm and 10am, so only allowing vehicular access overnight.
• There would be dispensations for banks, the Post Office and market traders to access the High Street.
• The bollards could be raised at 10am and lowered at 5pm. Or, to reduce staff resource, bollards could be raised on Market days and on event days only in order to comply with the new Protect Duty, with other days being subject to enforcement as now.

Option Three: Vehicle access restricted to mornings to allow service deliveries/loading only (Closed to vehicles between 10am and 5am)

• Under this option a pedestrian and cycle zone would be maintained with loading allowed between 5am and 10am.
• Dispensations for banks, the Post Office and market traders to access the High Street.
• The bollards could be raised during the day and overnight and lowered at 5am and raised again at 10am. Or, to reduce staff resource, the bollards could be raised only on Market days and on event days in order to comply with the new Protect Duty, with other days being subject to enforcement as now.

Option Four: Vehicle access is restricted to mornings and early evening to allow service deliveries and loading only (Closed to vehicles between 10am and 5.30pm, and again between 7pm and 5am)

• This option would see a pedestrian and cycle zone maintained with loading allowed between 5am to 10am and 5.30pm to 7pm.
• Dispensations for banks, the Post Office and market traders to access the High Street.
• The bollards could be raised during the day and overnight and lowered at 5am and raised at 10am, then lowered again at 5.30pm and raised again at 7pm. This will obviously take significant staff resource. Or, to reduce staff resource, the bollards could be raised only on Market days and on event days in order to comply with the new Protect Duty, with other days being subject to enforcement as now.