After extensive engagement with:
- Members of the public
- Businesses
- Local disability groups
- Transport operators
The current traffic restrictions in St John’s Square and the surrounding area will become permanent.
Background
The current experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) was implemented in June 2023. This was as a part of efforts to improve pedestrian and road user safety in the town centre.
Following the implementation of the restrictions, engagement with the local community highlighted that further consideration should be taken into this area being closed to all traffic, including taxis and buses.
Further engagement has since taken place. This was with particular focus on if St John’s Square and the surrounding area should be closed to all traffic outside of servicing hours.
The feedback has now been reviewed, alongside on-site monitoring and information gathering, to assess the ETRO’s impact since it was implemented and ensure the future use of this area meets the needs of the town.
The findings supported restricting the traffic in this area to buses and taxis only, with 81.5% of residents and visitors and 55.1% of businesses agreeing that there should be no access to private vehicles.
We will now start the legal process to convert the ETRO into a permanent order.
The current restrictions will remain in place and enforceable while this process takes place.
Roads covered by the restrictions
As per the ETRO, the restrictions will cover St John’s Square and the surrounding roads:
- Cedar Square
- Church Street from St John’s Square to Corporation Street
- Abingdon Street from Church Street to Cheapside
- Birley Street
- Adelphi Street
- Carter Street
The areas outlined in the map below have been long-standing pedestrian zones which general traffic should not access already. The restrictions have been implemented to limit the increased amount of unauthorised vehicles using the area.
Restrictions
- Only buses, taxis and other authorised vehicles (such as emergency services) can drive within the restricted area
- Taxis can stop for pick-up/drop-off within the restricted area. Waiting is only permitted within the designated taxi rank on Church Street
- Local businesses should note that access to the restricted area for delivery vehicles is permitted between 6.00pm and 10.30am only
- Less traffic moving through the area means our residents and visitors can safely enjoy St John’s Square, the alfresco eating areas and any events taking place
- There are no official parking bays or spaces on any of the streets in the affected area, so the changes don’t impact parking capacity
- Access for those with a blue badge isn’t possible within the restricted area. There are parking concessions already in place in the town centre to support a wide range of on-street and car parks for blue badge users. Find out more about disabled parking within the town
If you have any questions about the restrictions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing traffic.management@blackpool.gov.uk