Controversial north Hampshire pedestrianisation scheme comes to an end
Measures were put in place to make Fleet High Street traffic-free for social distancing.
Last updated 13th Nov 2020
The controversial pedestrianisation scheme in Fleet High Street will end today.
It was put in place in August for social distancing - but concerns were raised about disruption to traffic and businesses.
Hampshire County Council will remove it after a request by Hart District councillors.
The road is likely to re-open to vehicles this weekend or on Monday at the latest.
The Fleet Road bus route will be re-instated.
Hampshire County Council will keep some social distancing measures in place with changes to some parking bays in Fleet Road.
Two temporary disabled bays on Upper Street and Church Road will be made permanent and three parking bays in front of Barclays, Boots and McDonalds on Fleet Road will be temporarily closed, making the footways wider.
Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said:
"We know that, while schemes such as these can offer clear health and environmental benefits, the introduction of measures which fundamentally change the way people travel will always attract a range of views.
"We agreed to install this trial scheme in Fleet, at the request of our colleagues at Hart District Council, using only temporary materials, and then carefully monitored its performance from the highway authority’s perspective.
"Hart District Council has now reviewed its scheme and subsequently requested that we remove the measures, which we have agreed to action later this week."