Traffic restrictions in St John’s Square in Blackpool are to be made permanent following a successful trial.
It means private vehicles will continue to be banned from using the square with only buses, taxis and other authorised vehicles such as emergency vehicles allowed to travel through.
The council says cameras could be introduced in the future to carry out enforcement of the rules. It is hoped the restrictions will make the square more pedestrian-friendly and encourage more events to be held there.
Coun Paula Burdess, cabinet member for community safety, street scene and neighbourhoods, said: “In the past, this area has been a safety concern for pedestrians and road users, so I’m pleased we have found a solution to enable everyone to travel around the town centre more safely.
“The traffic restrictions that have been trialled have been received positively. Making them permanent will allow St John’s Square and the surrounding roads to become a safer more enjoyable area.
“Allowing access for buses and taxis will help to manage traffic flow around the town and maintain bus journey times, while also ensuring this key area of the town centre remains connected and accessible for all.”
She added the council would continue to work with the BID (business improvement district) and future possibilities could include the use of traffic cameras to enforce the restrictions.
When the square opened in 2010 following a £4.7m investment, it was designed to be mainly traffic-free and a venue to hold outdoor events in.
Buses and taxis were given access to the route to ease town centre congestion when other roads were closed for regeneration. However, an order governing these restrictions lapsed and led to private vehicles using the square irresponsibly.
The current restrictions were implemented in June 2023 as an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) only allowing taxis, buses and other authorised vehicles into the area.
The findings of consult ion supported restricting the traffic to buses and taxis only, with 81 per cent of residents and visitors and 55 per cent of businesses agreeing private vehicles should be banned.
The council will now start the legal process to create a permanent order, with restrictions remaining in place during the process.
Delivery vehicles will be permitted between 6pm and 10.30am and the restrictions will also apply to the roads surrounding St John’s Square including Cedar Square, Birley Street, Adelphi Street, Carter Street, part of Church Street (from St John’s Square to Corporation Street) and part of Abingdon Street (from Church Street to Cheapside).
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