A high level of support for making Kingsmead Square car-free has been shown following public and business consultations carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The council is proposing to make it a pedestrian-friendly destination by restricting vehicles daily during the hours of 11am until midnight to reduce air pollution and encourage café culture, walking and cycling.
Feedback from the consultations carried out between September 2018 and September 2019 has been published on the council’s website, including views recorded at engagement sessions in September last year when council officers discussed the plans directly with the public.
Out of 50 views recorded at the engagement sessions, the vast majority were supportive of the Kingsmead Square pedestrianisation project with some suggesting the council go further and make other parts of the city car-free.
The most popular subject of public comment was how best to use the ‘parklets’ – mini parks the size of a single car parking space that were temporarily installed in New Street and Avon Street to provide seating and planting during the public consultation.
Councillor Joanna Wright, cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “It is encouraging to have received such positive feedback on our proposals to make Kingsmead Square a cleaner and greener destination within our city for pedestrians and cyclists. We’d like to thank the businesses and residents who took the time to have their say and helped the project to take another step forward.”
The council will now apply to the Secretary of State for Transport for permission to carry out the proposed vehicle restriction. If this application is successful and the final plans are agreed by the council’s cabinet members and local stakeholders, the pedestrianisation could be put in place during Spring 2020.
Final plans will consider in detail the specific suggestions received about the proposals, including provision of blue badge parking and cycle storage.
The consultation feedback report and more information about the project can be viewed here https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-control/major-projects/public-realm-and-movement/kingsmead-square
