Beth Doherty
Following a public consultation process, Wiltshire Council has confirmed that Queen Street in Salisbury has been permanently closed to motor vehicles.
The road has been closed to motor vehicles from 10am-4pm daily for several years, and it is also regularly shut when there are events in the adjacent Guildhall Square. However, in May, buses, taxis and vehicles loading or unloading will be prohibited on Queen Street at all times, and the road can only be used by pedestrians and cyclists, as it currently forms part of the Route 45 of the National Cycle Network.
Deliveries to residences and businesses on Queen Street can take place from Milford Street or Blue Boar Row/Winchester Street or through the Cross Keys shopping centre; while deliveries to other nearby streets can proceed from the Market Square or New Canal.
Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, commented, “Queen Street in Salisbury is already closed to motor vehicles during the day and for events in the Guildhall Square, so this permanent closure is just an extension of the restrictions that are currently in place.
“We’ve listened to feedback from residents, businesses and local organisations on the closure, and we recognise that some businesses may feel that it makes deliveries to their premises more difficult. However, having looked at the options, we believe that there are ample opportunities for local businesses to receive deliveries in the vicinity of Queen Street, and that this closure would not make a significant difference to deliveries.
“The closure means that pedestrians and cyclists can safely walk along the road at all times, as an extension of the Guildhall Square, and the introduction of contraflow cycling in both Queen Street and High Street will encourage cycling, as the road forms part of the National Cycle Network.
“The changes will begin in May, and we look forward to Queen Street being fully pedestrianised from this date.”
Andy Munns
