NEWS RELEASES
Horsham's East Street - experimental pedestrianisation starts 30 June
19 June 2008
THE one year experimental pedestrianisation of East Street in Horsham will start on Monday 30 June.
After a lengthy consultation exercise, Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council have now agreed that from midnight on 29 June 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 is to 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 up to now traffic and parking has caused congestion and made conditions unpleasant for pedestrians. The one year experiment will exclude all vehicles including disabled badge (Blue Badge) holders from East Street and the adjoining Market Square during pedestrian only hours.
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.
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.
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 previously 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.
A new loading bay will be provided at the southern end of Park Way and a scheme to provide a loading bay, disabled parking space and loading restrictions will be considered for Park Place.
Funding for the experimental scheme is coming jointly from Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council.
During the first six months of the experiment, anyone can 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.
Derek Whittington, West Sussex County Council's Deputy Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport and the council's Member's Cycling Champion said:
"I am sure the ease of access for cyclists to the town centre will be welcome as they will be able to cycle in both directions all the time without the worry of motor traffic."
"It will also encourage people to get to work and shop in the town without using their cars."
Cllr Roger Paterson, Cabinet Member for the Local Economy at Horsham District Council, added:
”The experimental pedestrianisation of East Street seeks to improve the environment for shoppers and visitors to the town centre."
“It is hoped that this will contribute to the area developing as the focus for restaurants and cafes and to help develop the evening economy."
“The District Council is actively encouraging such users into the area - news is expected in the near future regarding interest in the King's Head Hotel and the Council's efforts to attract a quality restaurateur to the Town Hall building.”
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