Disabled Bridge Street parking ban trial to officially start this week

motorists will be banned from parking on Bridge Street when a new traffic order comes into force this week.

Notts County Council will introduce the pilot six-month order on Tuesday 22nd May, which will also ban access for disabled drivers.

Cabinet member for transport and highways Coun Richard Jackson said the order aims to reduce the levels of traffic and improve the environment for pedestrians.

“This experimental traffic regulation order is being introduced to cut down on the number of vehicle movements through the pedestrianised street and in response to calls from traders and members of the public to enhance the pedestrian-friendly area as much as possible,” he said.

The authority says it is acting after complaints from traders and members of the public over the level of traffic in the pedestrianised zone of Bridge Street.

It said that on one weekday in December 2009, 40 legal vehicles and 90 illegal vehicles were recorded in the pedestrianised zone.

A council spokesman said the recent relocation of the market has also prompted further calls for the congestion situation to be addressed.

“The relocation of the market onto Bridge Street has also brought the issue to the fore as traders and shopkeepers wish to consider how best the town centre can work and strengthen its trading position,” he said.

Blue badge and special access permit holders will no longer be able to park on all pedestrianised sections of Bridge Street and Bridge Place.

They will however still be able to park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours in neighbouring streets, provided no restrictions are in place.

Bassetlaw Council has also provided additional free disabled parking bays in a number of town centre car parks.

The order also bans vehicles over 36 ft in length from entering Bridge Place and Bridge Street due to damage to pavements, road signs and other street furniture such as seating and lamp columns.

The order could be made permanent once all comments and objections have been received, but could be revoked depending on feedback received from traders and members of the public.

Representations during the six-month period can be made by emailing [email protected] or by writing to:

The Improvements Manager, Environment and Resources, Notts County Council, Trent Bridge House, Fox Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6BJ.

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