WORK to upgrade and extend the network of automatic bollards that surround Leicester’s central pedestrian zone is now complete.
Over the past few months, the city council has been replacing old automatic bollards and installing additional units in new areas as part of a range of measures to improve pedestrian safety and manage vehicle access in the city centre.
The new bollards will be lowered to allow vehicles into the pedestrian zone during allowable hours for loading and unloading but will prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering the zone at all other times.
The automatic bollards are designed to rise immediately after a permitted vehicle has entered the pedestrian zone. This is to prevent tailgating and unauthorised entry. Warning signs and red lights are in place to alert drivers of the risk.
Eligible residents and businesses based within the zone will need to use a new authentication system with PIN code to gain entry through the new bollards outside of allowable hours.
Letters detailing the changes have been sent to every residential and business address within the pedestrian zone, advising people of the new access requirements and how to register for authorisation.
One-time use PIN codes can also be issued to those with legitimate reasons for accessing the zone outside of permitted hours.
Martin Fletcher, Leicester City Council director of highways, said: “Leicester’s pedestrian zone was established back in 2006, and the infrastructure installed at that time needed renewing or replacing to ensure it continued to be fit for purpose.
“Over the years, we have also extended the zone to include Church Gate, Haymarket, St Martins, Greyfriars and Hotel Street, so this was also a good opportunity to upgrade and extend the systems we have in place to keep the area secure.
“By upgrading infrastructure and tightening up access for vehicles to the pedestrian zone, we can more effectively clamp down on those who abuse the system and continue to provide an environment for shopping and leisure activities where people can feel safe.”
As part of the package of measures, the number of locations where automatic bollards are in place has been increased to ten.
Existing loading and unloading hours will be strictly enforced, with all delivery vehicles expected to be out of the pedestrian zone by 11am from Sunday to Friday, and by 9am on Saturdays.
Leicester’s pedestrian zone covers an area that’s about the size of seven-and-a-half football pitches and includes the Highcross and Haymarket shopping centres, the streets around the Clock Tower, and the independent shops and cafes in St Martin’s Square and The Lanes.
More information about the new measures can be found at www.leicester.gov.uk/bollards