New traffic restrictions ‘prioritise pedestrians’
Plymouth City CouncilA city centre shopping area is being pedestrianised with the introduction of traffic restrictions.
Plymouth City Council (PCC) said a traffic regulation order would be in place for Old Town Street and New George Street from 28 April.
The order will restrict the times delivery drivers are able to operate in the area, only allow drivers with permits during the day and introduce a no waiting and no loading restriction.
Councillor Mark Lowry said: "This order makes it clear that the safety of pedestrians and shoppers are the top priority.”
'Good news for businesses'
Deliveries will only be permitted between 04:00 and 08:00 BST seven days a week.
Vehicles will only be allowed between 08:00 and 18:00 BST, and 20:00 BST on Thursdays, if the driver has a permit issued by the council.
The no loading and no waiting restriction will apply to the entire city centre pedestrian area.
Steve Hughes, chief executive of the Plymouth City Centre Company, said: "It [the traffic order] will help us to make the city centre livelier and develop the evening and night-time economy, so will be good news for our businesses."
PCC said it is an experimental order with an open 18-month consultation period, meaning arrangements can be "tweaked" if necessary.
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