City centre changes to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers
The first stage of works to improve traffic flows and pedestrian safety in Perth City Centre is now almost complete, with the next stage set to begin late next month.
The Council is carrying out the works as a result of public consultations which identified concerns about road and pedestrian safety. Comments focussed on the volume of traffic using the pedestrian zone and particularly during the 11am-4pm period when the zone is restricted to pedestrian use only. Changes are therefore being made to address this issue and improve pedestrian and road safety.
The direction of traffic flow will be reversed in most of the streets within the pedestrian zone, to create a single point of entry and enable greater control over who drives into the zone.
However, as the majority of motorists do not drive into the pedestrian zone, the main change for drivers will be the reversed flow of traffic along the High Street between Scott Street/Kinnoull Street and Methven Street. The first phase of the works saw new traffic signals being installed to enable this to happen. The changed flow of traffic is scheduled to come into effect on 21 July 2008.
Bus services that currently use this section of the High Street will be rerouted as a result of the change. Service alterations will be announced shortly.
Murray Street, in front of the Playhouse cinema is also to be restricted to taxis, cycles and access to premises in Murray Street only. This change to traffic is also scheduled to be introduced on 21 July 2008.
The next stage of the works is set to begin on 23 June and will take only four weeks to complete, with the end of works scheduled for 21 July. These works will allow the new one-way system in the Pedestrian Zone to be introduced.
The works will comprise:
- altering the road layout and resurfacing the road and pavements on High Street between Skinnergate and George Street.
- installation of automatic street bollards on the High Street between George Street and St John Street. The bollards will be raised during the 11am to 4pm restricted period to prevent unauthorised vehicles entering the pedestrian zone. Before 11am and after 4pm, Blue Badge holders and delivery vehicles will still have access. Special arrangements will continue to operate for permit holders who use private parking inside the zone. The emergency services will have access at all times.
- extension of the pedestrian zone to include Skinnergate and the High Street section between George Street and Skinnergate.
Steps will be taken to minimise disruption to businesses wherever possible during the works.
Once the second phase of works is complete, there will be only one point of access to the pedestrian zone for motorists, from Tay Street via the High Street.
Enterprise and Infrastructure Convener, Councillor John Kellas, said: "I am pleased to see progress to work in the city centre area that is aimed at improving pedestrian and road safety. This is an integral part of the strategy for Perth aimed at making it an increasingly attractive place to visit and shop."
