Traffic easing measures issued in Preston ahead of Bank Holiday weekend
A plan's been put in place to make sure we don't see a repeat of the Bank Holiday chaos on Fishergate in Preston this weekend.
A plan's been put in place to make sure we don't see a repeat of the Bank Holiday chaos on Fishergate in Preston this weekend.
The early May bank holiday saw drivers reporting two-hour queues to get out of the St George’s Centre car park.
Now Lancashire County Council has introduced new restrictions, which will come in force tomorrow (Friday 27th May)
Measures will stop traffic turning right from Butler Street to Fishergate and will restrict traffic on the lower section of Fishergate to buses and delivery vehicles.
The measures are being introduced following meetings between representatives of Preston's business community and senior members of the county council's administration.
The order, which lasts for up to 18 months, will make it an offence for vehicles to turn right at the junction. If the measure is successful, the order will be made permanent.
In the longer term, a further experimental traffic order will be introduced in the Autumn which will restrict access on Fishergate from Theatre Street to Corporation Street to buses and delivery vehicles only.
Cars leaving the St George's car park will have to use Chapel Street to exit the city centre.
Speaking about the measures, county councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "The Fishergate improvements have been a resounding success, making it a much more attractive place to be and attracting new businesses to the area. However, we have to acknowledge that at peak times the road network has struggled to cope with the volume of traffic.
"I am hopeful that these measures will introduce will have a positive impact but there are other factors that can help improve the situation. I'd like to encourage people to think about all of their parking and travel options, including the park and ride, which could reduce congestion at key times.
"The traffic arrangements on Fishergate rely on a certain amount of co-operation and give and take between drivers and pedestrians, and I'd like to ask everyone visiting Fishergate to bear that in mind."
John Boydell, Chairman of Preston City Centre Business Improvement District, said: “We are pleased that Lancashire County Council has reacted positively to the concerns of business and that we’re now in an ongoing dialogue over measures to improve traffic flow in and around the city centre.
"There is common ground to seek the advancement of the city as a great place to work, live and visit, and we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures to ensure Preston city centre remains vibrant and attractive to visitors, shoppers, businesses and investors”.