Bollards will be in place in Ipswich town centre from Monday 12 October to help enforce existing vehicle restrictions and make the pedestrianised area safer for people walking through and visiting the town centre.
The bollards will prevent vehicles entering key pedestrianised streets between 10.30am and 4.30pm each day, when vehicles are already prohibited.
The measure is being introduced by Ipswich Borough Council because some drivers continue to enter the pedestrianised area during restricted hours, creating a potential hazard for pedestrians.
From 10.30am each day, bollards will be locked in place at:
- Carr Street
- Tower Street
- the western section of Westgate Street
- the junction of Princes Street and King Street.
They will be removed at 4.30pm each day.
Bollards will also be used to control access to Queen Street, where vehicles are currently permitted between 4.30pm and 10.30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays. Vehicle access will be prevented at all other times.
Businesses will still be able to receive deliveries during the existing permitted times, before 10.30am and after 4.30pm where applicable. Emergency services will continue to be able to gain access when required.
The measures are expected to be complemented by an ANPR camera on Upper Brook Street, to be installed by Suffolk County Council. This will help enforce the existing vehicle restrictions for vehicles entering the town centre from Upper Brook Street.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said:
"The town centre’s pedestrianised streets should be safe and welcoming places for people to walk, shop and spend time.
“Unfortunately, some drivers continue to ignore the existing restrictions and drive through the town centre when vehicles are prohibited.
“These bollards are a practical way of making the existing restrictions work. Businesses will still be able to receive deliveries during the permitted times and emergency access will be maintained, but during the day our pedestrianised streets should be just that: pedestrianised.”