WORK to extend the network of automatic bollards that surround Leicester’s central pedestrian zone will get under way on Granby Street next week.
The city council is set to start installing the new set of safety bollards on part of Granby Street, close to its junction with Northampton Street, from Monday 27 October.
Installation of the automatic bollards is expected to take up to two weeks to complete, during which time there will no access for vehicles to the pedestrianised section of Granby Street – which runs between Northampton Street and the inner ring road at St Georges Way.
Pedestrian access will be maintained, and all businesses will be open as normal.
Further work to install additional static bollards will also be carried out, but this will not impact on access.
On completion of the works, all vehicles will have access to the pedestrian zone during allowable hours for loading and unloading. The new bollards will automatically lower when a vehicle approaches to allow entry between 5am and 11am Sunday to Friday, and 5am to 9am on Saturdays.
The automatic bollards will then be in operation at all other times to prevent unauthorised vehicle from entering the zone.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for transport and environment, said: “We are bringing forward these planned works, originally planned for next year, to help address concerns that businesses have raised about illegal and nuisance parking on this part of Granby Street.
“Work to install automatic bollards at other locations across the city centre has already tightened up access for vehicles to the pedestrian zone in the city centre. It is helping us to 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.”
Earlier this year, the city council completed work to replace old automatic bollards and install additional units in new areas as part of a range of measures to improve pedestrian safety and better manage vehicle access to the city centre.
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 Martins Square and the Lanes.