CORN Street and Small Street will be permanently pedestrianised at weekends.
The city council is introducing the regular closures to all vehicles except bikes, starting on August 24.
Following on from the Make Sundays Special events, George Ferguson wants other city centre streets closed to cars at weekends
Following the Make Sunday Special events, Mayor George Ferguson is introducing an Experimental Traffic Order, which will be in force 10am-8pm on Saturdays and 10am-midnight on Sundays.
The move is part of Mr Ferguson’s ambition to improve the public realm of the area known as the Old City, making it more attractive to visitors and supporting the local economy. His ideal is for people to be able to browse shops and stalls, and enjoy street cafes free of traffic hazards and pollution.
“Make Sunday’s Special has been a huge success, seeing far more people out enjoying the Old City,” he said. “Traders have already been asking that it is extended.
“I want this culture of claiming back the streets and really making the most of our wonderful Old City to continue, offering residents and visitors a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.
“I know several businesses are looking forward to taking their business out on to the streets more regularly and I am delighted with the reaction.
“Bristol is attracting a huge amount of attention and this is yet another example of us pushing the boat out just a bit further to operate a more vibrant and environmentally friendly city.”
There’ll be no parking allowed on Corn Street from 7am on Saturday and Sunday, and no loading nor servicing on Corn Street and Small Street after 10am on Saturday and Sunday.
It’s hoped local businesses, such as cafes, will make the most of the car-free atmosphere by bringing tables and chairs outside to create a vibrant atmosphere in the street.
The council is promising to be as flexible as possible about this while making sure there is still a good environment for pedestrians and considerate cyclists.
Local businesses will have to leave a clear path wide enough for emergency vehicles and to allow space on footways for people to walk past freely.
The council is also offering help with amending licenses for premises which serve alcohol, asking them to get in touch and make sure they are covered for serving drinks outside.
Each day, tables and chairs must be cleared away by 9pm, allowing for overnight traffic.
The experimental nature of the traffic order means the council will be able to make future changes more easily, giving it an opportunity to measure the success of the scheme and make changes or reverse the order if necessary.
Full Article: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Corn-Street-Small-Street-car-free-weekend/story-19651513-detail/story.html