A project to improve life for pedestrians and make the centre of Bath more attractive will start next Monday 2 February when Bath & North East Somerset Council begins work to make Stall Street virtually traffic free during shopping hours.
The Council wishes to create a safer and more attractive experience for residents, visitors and businesses here by improving the quality of the street.
A new traffic restriction will come into force between 10am and 6pm which will see all but essential vehicles banned from this area. Existing street clutter will be reduced and improvements made including a new level surface throughout, paved with natural stone materials in keeping with Bath’s historical surroundings.
Cllr Caroline Roberts (Lib-Dem, Newbridge), Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The Council first consulted on proposals to cut vehicle traffic in the City Centre in 2009. Since then, we have spoken to many businesses, residents and other stakeholders and refined our plans accordingly. We think the final result is a very balanced approach to revitalising the city centre to a standard that reflects its status as an international visitor destination and World Heritage Site, and reducing the amount of vehicles in the historic core.”
The paving improvements in Lower Borough Walls and Stall Street will be built in phases throughout the duration of the work, which is anticipated to last 8 months.
To facilitate the first phase of the works, a temporary road closure from 10am to 6pm each day will be implemented at the entrance to Lower Borough Walls. A diversion route will be in place via a two-way system on Hot Bath Street, controlled by traffic signals.
For more information, please visit: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/stallstreet.
· The Getting Around Bath Transport Strategy was approved by the Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 12 November 2014. Following the approval by the Council’s Cabinet the Bath Transport Strategy was formally adopted by Bath and North East Somerset Council on Thursday 13 November 2014.
· The long-term vision is that: “Bath will enhance its unique status by adopting measures that promote sustainable transport and reduce the amount of vehicles, particularly in the historic core. This will enable more economic activity and growth while enhancing the city’s special character and environment and improving the quality of life for local people.”
· The pedestrian improvements are part of the Bath Transportation Package. The projects are funded through a combination of Council and Department for Transport and represent £27 million of investment.
