GAZETTE readers have said the car ban in Colchester High Street should not be made permanent.

Earlier this week, the Gazette revealed road bosses at Essex County Council are to make the decision following a consultation.

The vehicles were originally banned in June 2020 to increase space for pedestrians and enable social distancing.

Buses, taxis, blue badge holders and motorbikes are still able to use the High Street, but general traffic has since been unable to between 7am and 7pm.

In a poll run by the Gazette which garnered hundreds of responses, 65 per cent of readers said they do not want the ban to be made permanent.

Fiona Ellerker said: “So again the shops are not going to be able to stay open as people will go out of town. Shop owners, we may as well close up now.”

Des East added: “I am put off going near places that I can’t drive to, especially if I’m shopping for large items or perishable foods.”

But Dominic Butler said the decision is a great one, but stated “it should be complemented by an effective transport system”.