NEWS RELEASES
East Street and Market Square, Horsham: Designs on show for experimental core time pedestrianisation
4 March 2008
DESIGNS are on show illustrating how the experimental core time pedestrianisation of Horsham’s East Street and Market Square will work.
The design plans have been produced following extensive public consultation with local traders, residents and the reference group set up to represent the interests of business people, cyclists and disabled people
As promoters of the scheme, Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council have now agreed that a one year experiment will start in spring this year that will make East Street and Market Square traffic free during a core time period between 10.30am to 4pm, seven days a week, with access for emergency vehicles only.
This will be enforced by traffic signs and the placing of removable bollards at the eastern end of East Street.
Whilst the scheme is experimental, it is proposed that only minimal works are needed in the road itself with some new seating areas, planting, street furniture and traffic signs.
The existing kerbs and footways will largely remain in place, however, in East Street comprehensive works including a new shared surface could be introduced later if the experimental scheme is successful.
Access to designated loading bays will be maintained for deliveries and service vehicles outside the pedestrian period between the hours of 8am to 10.30am and 4pm to 6pm with a 30 minute limit. These loading bays can be used by any vehicle between 6pm and 8am.
East Street is a long and narrow street and the traffic and parking can cause congestion and make conditions unpleasant for pedestrians. The proposals will exclude all vehicles including disabled badge (Blue Badge) holders from East Street and Market Square during pedestrian only hours.
Along the south side of East Street the changes to the loading restrictions will mean Blue Badge holders having to seek alternative parking in the adjacent car parks or nearby roads.
At the request of the consultation group, the location of a possible set down/pick up point will be investigated to improve access to the Carfax.
Consideration has been given to alternative arrangements for cyclists.
However, because East Street is narrow it is currently not considered practical to allow cycling during the pedestrianisation period in either direction as part of the proposals, either during the experimental period or if the scheme became permanent. Cyclists will therefore be permitted to use East Street outside of the core time pedestrianisation (4pm-10.30am)
The traders in Park Place have raised some concerns that the goods vehicles and Blue Badge holders being displaced during the pedestrianisation period may use Park Place as a viable alternative.
Therefore proposals are being considered to control the waiting restrictions in this street and the possible introduction of one designated loading bay and one designated disabled bay in Park Place and adding a loading bay at the southern end of Park Way.
The experimental scheme is planned to start in the spring and during the first six months anyone will be able to comment or object on how it is working and these views will be reported back to the County Local Committee before it decides whether or not to make the experimental scheme permanent.
Funding for the experimental scheme is coming jointly from Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council.
Commenting this week, Cllr Philip Circus, Cabinet Member for the Local Economy at Horsham District Council, said:
“I understand the concerns of some traders and these we are considering, but I have absolutely no doubt that the pedestrianisation of East Street is good news for Horsham in general and will prove a massive benefit for the traders in East Street.”
Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pemberton, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
"The scheme is experimental, and we will study the impact very carefully.
“Schemes like this have had positive benefits for shops and trade generally, and that is what we want to achieve in this important area of Horsham."
The design plans are available on request for inspection at Horsham District Council, Park North, North Street in Horsham or a copy of the scheme plan is available to download.
Further information about the scheme is available from Chris Carey, Head of Property & Economic Development at Horsham District Council (email: chris.carey@horsham.gov.uk).
Ends
Note to editors
This news release has been issued by Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk