As we reported today on Shine Radio, a consultation has opened on proposals to alter the traffic and parking restrictions in Petersfield.
You can hear our story at 3 minutes and 40 seconds into this programme.
What’s happening?
Hampshire County Council has secured tax-payer’s money from central Government’s “Active Travel Fund” to invest in the traffic and parking measures that were introduced during last year’s first Coronavirus lockdown.
What does the council say?
The proposals aim to improve the temporary social distancing measures that were introduced over the
summer, with better quality materials that can be kept in place for an extended period and are more in keeping with Petersfield town centre.
These are likely to include better signing and large wooden planters in place of the existing red and white barriers.
Subject to feedback, the existing bus gate feature could be enhanced with improved signing and will continue to only allow access for buses and licensed taxis.
Additional cycle stands will also be introduced in and around the High Street area of the town centre.
How will it be laid out?
The council has produced this map. It shows the location of proposed cycle stands, a traffic enforcement camera, signs and what they call “a gateway feature” of some planters.
How can I take part in the consultation?
The survey is online here
The council asks that you read the full information pack first so your response is an informed one.
The consultation closes just before midnight on Sunday 21 March.
What happens next?
Hampshire County Council has set-out a four-step process which they plan to follow between now and the Summer.
Your comments
If you have comments about this plan pop them in the comments section below. We will read out a selection of listener comments on Shine Radio in the days ahead.
More to listen to
Our environment correspondent put your questions about these restrictions and other local matters to Councillor Rob Mocatta in this full length interview.
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Not sure if this is the correct place to comment on the traffic restrictions etc but just to say that it really concerns me in Petersfield we could see the type of horrible pedestrianisation that has blighted so many towns in the UK. We really need to keep Petersfield a pretty and unique town. Paving it over will be a disaster. You only have to go to Waterlooville to see the effect – pedestrianisation does not make a town a nicer place even by day and after the shops close these places turn into ghost towns, they become unpleasant and initmidating. They also seem to get dirty with rubbish and the pavers end up filthy with chewing gum, food stains etc. We should also be encouraging cycling and full pedestrianisation is as much anti-cycling as it is anti-car. The other thing is that in less than 10 years all new cars sold must be at least partially electric so in 20 to 30 years there will be few petrol and diesel cars left on the road. Any decisions now should plan around the fact that petrol fumes will soon be a thing of the past and vehicles will be electric. I am not at all against restricting traffic but am very much against full 24/7 pedestrianisation.
Restricting access to cars in the centre of Petersfield may be good for pedestrians who live in the town centre but it is of no help to those of us who live outside the town and come to do a quick shop – or visit places like the Boots, bank, Post office, newsagent, optician, estate agent, or need to collect something. You are putting people off wanting to come and use the local shops. Also my elderly mother cannot walk more than a few yards at a time so suggesting she walks from either the Waitrose carpark, the Swan Street or the M&S one and carry bags back rather than the High Street is unwelcome. We have a disabled sticker for her but what is the use of that when the walk will still be as long and nowhere to park near the Square. This is not just about people who live in Petersfield but attracting shoppers from outside.