WORK to further extend the network of automatic bollards that surround Leicester’s central pedestrian area will begin on Market Place next week.
The city council will begin work to install a new set of safety bollards on part of Market Place, close to its junctions with Market Place South and Market Place Approach, from Monday (2 March).
This first phase of preparatory work is expected to take up to three weeks to complete, during which time there will be no access for vehicles onto Market Place.
A well-signposted diversion will in place via Friar Lane, Hotel Street and Market Place North. Market Place Approach and Market Place South will remain accessible to traffic during the roadworks
Pedestrian access will be maintained, and all businesses will be open as normal.
A second phase of work will take place later this year, before the new automatic bollards come into operation.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “Work to install automatic bollards at other key locations 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.”
Early in 2025, the city council completed work to replace old automatic bollards and install additional units in new locations as part of a range of measures to improve safety and better manage vehicle access to the city centre pedestrian zone.
The pedestrian zone covers an area that’s about the size of seven-and-a-half football pitches. It includes the Highcross and Haymarket shopping centres, the streets around the Clock Tower, and the independent shops and cafes in St Martins and the Lanes.