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St John's Experimental Traffic Regulation Order

As part of an effort to improve pedestrian and road user safety in the town centre, an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) is currently in place in 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 current ETRO restrictions have been made to limit the increased amount of unauthorised vehicles using the area.

The ETRO will be in place and enforceable for an experimental period of up to 18 months. Blackpool Council have the right to amend the order during the experimental period. 

What are the current ETRO restrictions

  • Only buses, taxis and other authorised vehicles (such as emergency services) can now drive within the restricted area.
  • Taxis can stop for pick-up/drop-off within the restricted area, however waiting is only permitted within the new designated taxi rank on Church Street.
  • Local businesses should take note that access for delivery vehicles is permitted into the restricted area 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 currently no official parking bays or spaces on any of the streets outlined in the map, so the new restrictions 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.

Engagement

After extensive engagement with the local community from June 2023 until December 2023, we have reviewed the feedback which showed a relatively high percentage of respondents would feel safer if this area was closed to all traffic, including taxis and buses. 

Further engagement will now be carried out, with particular focus on whether St John’s Square and the surrounding area should be closed to all traffic outside of servicing hours.

If a traffic-free zone is implemented, the area would be closed to all vehicles (with the exception of authorised vehicles such as emergency services). Barriers and bollards would be locked between 10.30am and 6pm to prevent access.

Members of the public, businesses and all interested parties are invited to provide feedback and share their views, helping to ensure the future use of this area meets the needs of the town.

To give feedback on the proposed closure of the area to traffic please use one of the following options:

If you have any questions about the ETRO, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing traffic.management@blackpool.gov.uk