South Gloucestershire Council has exercised both Covid emergency measures and its statutory powers to close Thornbury High Street to through traffic. However, how does its vision of a traffic-free pedestrian zone as part of a thriving town centre economy, and “a space meeting the needs of all residents and visitors… in safety, access and experience” match up to the realities?
It became evident to the Council very quickly that, being totally unfamiliar with the layout of the High Street, they had omitted to allow for access for delivery vehicles on the western side of the street from Castle Court southwards. This was compounded by the rights of access of those who are residents in the High Street. Fortunately, the delivery lorry problem was solved by allowing these vehicles one-way access.
Blue disabled badge holders previously had the right to park on the High Street for up to three hours, including parking on double yellow lines. The changes to the street layout have provided three disabled parking spaces at each end of the High Street and outside the restricted zone, with a further three actually located inside the zone. Vehicles must keep to the one-way system and leave via the southern end of the High Street.
South Gloucestershire Council recently reversed its decision to ban buses from the High Street, which finally recognised that the location of the Rock Street southbound bus stop created dangerous traffic issues. This means that single- and double-decker buses will now be able to use the High Street. To date, however, the location of the bus stop itself is unresolved. Will this be the subject of “consultation” with the residents of Thornbury? Will the necessary decisions be made too late to rescue the Christmas trade?
Other users of the High Street include the twice-monthly travelling market from South Wales. Will the bus service be diverted on alternate Saturdays or will the market move to St Mary’s Way? The answer appears obvious, but not necessarily to S Glos Council so far.
Pick-up and drop-off spaces have been provided within the Council’s vision, but there are few of these, and a 10-minute parking time limit will not permit much leeway, although legally the limit cannot be imposed within 10 minutes of the expiry of the first 10 minutes. Apparently, the designated loading and unloading spaces may also be used for 10 minutes if not currently in use for another purpose. The one-way traffic system applies as before.
Other vehicles which may legitimately use the High Street are those engaged on work inside premises on the street, such as plumbers, electricians and window cleaners. They may park outside the premises for only a reasonable time, but the meaning of that is not clear. They, too, must observe the one-way system.
In addition, there are the vehicles of the public authority, dealing with streetlighting, drains, water and electrical supply, for example, and not forgetting the emergency services.
Finally, there are bicycles, which current plans allow to pass through the street in both directions, despite there being only a single designated traffic lane; which constitutes a high potential for collisions with road vehicles and pedestrians.
Consequently, in essence the High Street will be closed for part of its length to through traffic, apart from the following:
• buses
• disabled blue badge holders
• pick-up and drop-off drivers
• tradesmen’s vehicles
• public authority vehicles
• emergency services
• bicycles
• and drivers looking for a parking space for a legitimate purpose and perhaps having to drive through and try again.
Is it not time that S Glos Council admitted that it is impossible to prohibit through traffic on Thornbury High Street, that they should remove the outdoor seating which is redundant in winter and no longer necessitated by Covid, and restore parking spaces for more shoppers; all of which would readily meet the objective of revitalising the High Street?
Has the vision for the High Street failed already?
