NEWS RELEASES
Horsham's East Street experimental pedestrianisation - preparation works start soon
7 May 2008
PREPARATION works are expected to start next week (12 May) in readiness for the start of a one year experimental pedestrianisation of Horsham's East Street.
During the preparation works, which are expected to last three to four weeks, East Street and Horsham will remain fully open for business as usual.
When the works are complete, the one year experimental pedestrianisation scheme will then start on around 13 June.
Only minimal preparation works are needed in the road itself with some new street furniture, traffic signs and plants.
Temporary suspension of sections of the cycle lane may be necessary to carry out the works in the street and appropriate signs will direct pedestrians and cyclists safely past the works.
East Street’s existing kerbs and footways will also largely remain in place, however comprehensive works including a new shared surface could be introduced later if the one year experimental scheme is successful.
During the first six months of the experimental scheme, 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.
As promoters of the scheme, Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council have now agreed that a one year experiment 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.
The experimental scheme will be enforced by traffic signs and the placing of removable bollards at the eastern end of East Street.
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 the contraflow cycle lane already exists, cycling will be permitted during the core hours in both directions. This situation will be kept under review.
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.
Funding for the experimental scheme is coming jointly from Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council.
Clive Roberts, West Sussex Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said:
"This scheme is being introduced to promote Horsham and help local businesses and their customers. It is an experiment, and I would welcome views from across the community on how it is working in practice."
Cllr Philip Circus, Cabinet Member for the Local Economy at Horsham District Council, said:
“I want to thank everyone for their feedback in getting us to this stage.
“Plans have been adjusted, where possible, to account for this.
“We continue to welcome feedback and I have absolutely no doubt that the pedestrianisation of East Street will be good news for Horsham in general and will prove a massive benefit for the traders in East Street.”
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