ROAD bosses behind the decision to implement a car ban on Colchester High Street have stated there is a “clear desire” for the rule.

Vehicles were originally banned in June 2020 to increase space for pedestrians and enable social distancing as retailers reopened following the first national lockdown.

The initial ban was for 24 hours a day but, under the plans to make it permanent, general traffic will be unable to use the road between 7am and 7pm.

A temporary ban is currently in place, but buses, taxis, blue badge holders and motorbikes are still able to access the High Street.

An Essex Highways spokesman said a “clear community desire” informed the decision to make the restricions permanent.

“Following the introduction of temporary restrictions on Colchester High Street in 2020, extensive engagement and consultation took place with local people,” he said.

“There was a clear desire to see a set of permanent restrictions which would promote Colchester High Street as a highly attractive area for pedestrians, shoppers, visitors and businesses by restricting its use to through traffic.

“This clear community desire informed those restrictions to become permanent.”