Removable bollards are being installed in the town centre to enforce the existing vehicle access restrictions during the period 10.30am – 4.30pm.
Ipswich Borough Council is taking action as although there are existing restrictions that mean vehicle access should only be between 4.30pm and 10.30am, many drivers are ignoring this and causing a hazard for pedestrians in the town centre. As Ipswich Borough Council does not have the powers to enforce moving vehicle violations; this power is held by the police, the council has taken the decision to instead prevent access during the restricted time period by installing removable bollards.
Bollards will be locked in place at 10.30am each day on Carr Street, Tower Street, the western section of Westgate Street and the junction of Princes Street and King Street. These bollards will be removed again at 4.30pm. There will also be bollards in use to restrict vehicle access to Queen Street, where vehicles are only allowed access 4.30pm to 10.30am on a Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. At all other times, vehicle access will be prevented.
The bollards are expected to be followed by the installation of an ANPR camera on Upper Brook Street by Suffolk County Council, which will provide enforcement of the vehicle access restrictions on Upper Brook Street, and issue fixed penalty notices to those vehicles that might enter the town centre via Buttermarket and Westgate Street from Upper Brook Street.
Cllr Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said, “The council doesn't have the powers to issue fixed penalty notices to vehicles which drive into the town centre during the periods when vehicles are prohibited. We can issue fixed penalty notices to vehicles that are parked where they shouldn't be parked, but we can't have enforcement officers in every part of the pedestrianised area of the town centre to do so. Installing the bollards is a sensible approach to enforcing the long-standing vehicle restriction times in the town centre. Once Suffolk County Council install an ANPR camera on Upper Brook Street, these together will provide effective enforcement of the existing vehicle restrictions in the town centre. This will enable people to continue to enjoy the town centre, vehicle free.”
The initial install of the ground sockets for the bollards has begun and it will take up to four weeks to complete the project.
The emergency services will be able to gain access as necessary.
As is the case currently, businesses will still be able to receive deliveries before 10.30am and after 4.30pm.