Motorists risking penalty
CAR DRIVERS FACE BEING FINED IF THEY ARE CAUGHT USING PEDESTRIANISED ROUTE
MOTORISTS using a pedestrianised Uttoxeter town centre street as a short cut have been warned they will still face a fine as the town’s rising bollard could be ditched for good.
It comes as councillors are conducting a study of High Street and what to do to replace the problematic bollard after issues with speeding cars nearly hitting shoppers.
Cars are not allowed to use High Street at certain times, which has a rising bollard to stop drivers.
However, it has become costly to repair when it breaks down and is set to be removed. Now Staffordshire County Council ilooking at other ways to keep pedestrians safe and stop cars using the route.
Motorists breaking the rules have been warned that restrictions are still in place, and anyone caught breaking them faces a fine of around £60.
The county council’s highways team is working alongside Uttoxeter Town Council and Staffordshire Police to carry out a study in an attempt to come up with ways to keep the town centre safe.
A county council spokesman said: “The report is being looked at for High Street this financial year, with possible delivery in 2023 to 2024”.
Other options include the design of a new solution to make High Street and the surrounding area even more pedestrian friendly.
David Williams, cabinet member for highways and transport at the council, said: “Keeping pedestrians and our roads safe is a top priority for the county council. Thankfully our roads continue to be amongst the safest in the country.
“Uttoxeter High Street is a pedestrianised area and it’s important that we keep it safe for people to use. Unfortunately, in recent months we have seen a number of incidents where cars have been seen speeding on the road and almost colliding with pedestrians.
“The rising bollard, which has been in place for a number of years, now requires a lot of maintenance and when broken and in the down position, we know that drivers do drive through it. The feasibility study will help us explore various options for the High Street, while taking into consideration the redevelopment of the Malting’s precinct, which is being planned.”
Keeping pedestrians and our roads safe is a top priority for the county council
David Williams