A trial aimed at tackling long-running problems with unauthorised parking and through-traffic in Gloucester’s historic gated streets went live today.
Gloucestershire County Council has introduced an experimental Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) designed to improve pedestrian safety, reduce congestion and protect the character of the city centre.
The scheme has been developed in partnership with Gloucester City Council and Gloucester BID. Under the new restrictions, access to the gated streets will be limited to authorised vehicles only during specified periods.
As part of the trial, the county council is preparing to consult residents on plans to enforce the restrictions using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. The proposed system forms part of the council’s wider Moving Traffic Enforcement programme and would allow consistent monitoring of the rules. The authority says this would help improve road safety, support bus travel and encourage more walking and cycling in the city centre.
Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport at Gloucestershire County Council, said the trial approach would allow the impact of the changes to be assessed before any long-term decisions are made.
“We’re pleased to be working with Gloucester City Council and Gloucester BID on changes to access in the gated streets,” he said. “This is about promoting safety in the city centre, and the experimental TRO gives us the chance to see how it works before exploring longer-term options.”
Gloucester City councillor Rebecca Trimnell said the move marked real progress in addressing persistent issues in the area.
“We are many steps closer to finally tackling those individuals who think it’s their right to park on the gated streets in the evening and use them as a through road,” she said. “I’m delighted the cameras are being installed, and enforcement in the New Year will be positive for everyone – especially for pedestrian safety.”