South Parade traffic order to remain in place

Prohibition sign on South Parade

The traffic regulation order on South Parade is to remain in place whilst the town centre development works take place – but Councillors reserved the right to review the order at certain stages of the developments.
 
The current order prohibits vehicles except for buses and taxis, using South Parade, between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday – this will remain but future assessment of the impact of street closures associated with the works will be undertaken.
 
The report presented to Cabinet members at a meeting held tonight (Monday 21 March 2011) read: “If the existing TRO [Traffic Regulation Order] is rescinded it is highly likely that vehicles will reassign from the primary route network and rat run through the town centre along South Parade which will then become heavily trafficked.
 
“The increase in traffic movements through South Parade will increase conflict between pedestrians and vehicles which is likely to have an impact on road safety as pedestrians have become used to the low levels of traffic that currently exist on South Parade.
 
“If Members decide to open South Parade there may be a need to improve existing pedestrian crossing facilities by either upgrading the existing zebra crossing to a signalised crossing or introducing traffic calming onto this route. There will be a cost associated with the required improvements for which we have no assigned budget.”
 
The report also highlights that a permanent arrangement for South Parade will need to be made following the completion of the town centre developments. The report reads: “Ideally South Parade should become a bus only route with total closure during the night.”