A consultation on the future of Thornbury High Street has been launched today (Tuesday, July 21).

The six-month consultation will give residents and businesses the opportunity to have their say on the pedestrianisation of the high street which was introduced on June 6.

Temporary bollards were put in place to allow pedestrians to use the road to socially distance when walking and queuing.

Pubs and cafes have also been permitted to install outside seating areas.

The Emergency Traffic Order expired on Friday but the council is continuing with pedestrianisation through an Experimental Traffic Order.

Changes have been made along the way, including a one-way system implemented for delivery vehicles and the pedestrian zone being extended further south, near the junction with Chapel Street.

The speed limit on the non-pedestrianised section of the high street has also been reduced to 20mph.

Changes in place under the ETRO:

  • Vehicle access to off-street premises and loading restricted to the area of the high street between Chapel Street and The Close.
  • Southbound one-way system for motor vehicle loading and access to off-street premises on the high street between the junction with Castle Court and the junction with The Close.
  • South bound bus stop relocation to Rock Street with a new shelter.
  • Pedestrian and cycle zone along Thornbury High Street between Castle Court and Chapel Street.
  • Diversion of traffic via The Plain, Rock Street and Midland Way.
  • 20mph speed limit on Castle Court, The Close, the high Street and part of Chapel Street.
  • No parking in the pedestrian and cycle zone (including waiting, drop-off and pick-up)
  • Introduction of parking for blue badge holders at each end of the scheme.

The proposals in the High Street include:

  • ‘No Through Route’ for Motor Vehicles between The Plain and Chapel Street.
  • Physical road closure points near ‘The Swan’ public house and at The Close to form a central pedestrian and cycle zone. 3m gaps will be provided for motor vehicles to pass through one way from north to south for loading and unloading purposes or for access to off street parking where it is not possible by an alternative route.
  • Cyclists will be permitted to travel in any direction.
  • The one way system for motor vehicles will not apply in the southern extension of the pedestrian and cycle zone between Chapel Street and The Close.
  • There will be an exemption for vehicles to access property where it is only possible to do so from within the zone;
  • Cycle parking racks and other street features, such as raised planters will be installed to help form a meandering road alignment for those vehicles that are eligible to access the High Street.
  • A reduction of speed limit from 30 to 20mph.
  • Entry to the High Street north of The Close from the south will be allowed for cycles and pedestrians only.
  • Suspension of the current limited waiting restrictions that will be replaced with ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ restrictions within the pedestrian and cycle zone;
  • The current bus layby in High Street will be replaced with disabled parking bays;
  • The bus stop will be relocated to Rock Street for all southbound bus services.

South Gloucestershire Council are now consulting on whether these, or other changes may work in the long term.

Comments must be sent in writing after the measures are in place, and should preferably be submitted using the online questionnaire which will be available on the consultation page until 31 January 2021 (although email and letter responses will also be accepted).

Plans of the changes and Statement of Reason are available on the consultation webpage at southglos.gov.uk/thornburyhighstreet

A survey is available at southglos.gov.uk/thornburysurvey

Paper copies of the consultation survey can be picked up from Thornbury library when open, or requested by telephone by calling 01454 868000.

For written submissions by other methods please Quote reference L3/DFA/STOP/PT.6609

email placefeedback@southglos.gov.uk

Write to: Head of Legal, Governance and Democratic Services South Gloucestershire Council, PO Box 1953, Bristol, BS37 0DB