Decision details

Purpose of Report: To consider the objections made during the first 12 months of the City Centre Footstreets Experimental Traffic Regulation Order.

The Cabinet Member is asked to consider the objections and the introduction of the experimental measures on a permanent basis. This decision will be taken at a public decision session on 10 April 2014.

Resolved:  (i)      That the experimental Traffic Regulation Order

                             be made permanent.

                   (ii)      That officers be delegated authority to redefine

the exemption for market traders’ early finish in line with the Authority’s longer term aims for the market operation and its aims for the footstreets area.

                   (iii)     That a further report be prepared considering the

extension of the loading only period to 7 to 10.30am and 5 to 7pm and creating a standardised access only restriction overnight of 7pm to 7am.

                   (iv)    That the installation of removable bollards at the

St Helen’s Square end of Stonegate to physically enforce the loading only period be approved.

Reasons:   (i)      Because the changes introduced during the

experiment have achieved the desired affect with minimal reported problems.

                   (ii)      To recognise the very different trading

environment in the market compared with the more usual business activities that take place in buildings.

                   (iii)     To further reduce general traffic in the central

area and extend the loading only period, given the reduction caused by the extended footstreet hours; reduce confusion over varying hours and restrictions; acknowledge the spread of peak hour traffic and encourage the early evening city centre economy.

                   (iv)    To achieve greater compliance with the Traffic

                             Regulation Order.