Changes to parking and driving around Colchester City Centre in relation to the existing High Street car ban could be on the cards. 

The Colchester City Masterplan is being looked at by councillors before the public gets to voice their opinions.

So, we have taken a look back at the existing car ban including its limits and how it came about. 

Why was the ban introduced? 

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

Last year the ban was made permanent by Essex County Council after the public got to have a final say on it. 

Gazette:

Who is still able to drive down High Street and when?

As a result, normal traffic – excluding buses, taxi, blue badge holders and motorbikes - has been prohibited from using the High Street between 7am and 7pm.

This means cars can use it at any other time. 

Drivers will not be able to access High Street from junctions at Maidenburgh Street, East Stockwell Street, West Stockwell Street and George Street.

The rules remain from the Head Street junction to the Museum Street junction.

What was the reaction to the ban?

Sally Reed, who voted against making the ban permanent in a Gazette poll, said: “The vehicle bans only works if they are all or nothing and there’s a decent alternative route.

“There is no point banning cars if you can have motorcycles, buses and taxis screaming up there - it’s either pedestrianised or it’s not.”

The outcome of a Gazette poll back in January, in which a staggering 1,390 people voted, however, seems to seriously suggest otherwise.

According to the poll, 76 per cent of readers – which is more than 1,050 people – do not think the car ban should be made permanent.

What does the new masterplan mean for the car ban?

Colchester’s City Masterplan suggests the High Street Car ban could be extended across the city centre and include streets such as St John’s Street.

It would mean only buses, taxis, goods vehicles and cyclists would use these roads but access only streets would be factored in.

The masterplan’s long term goal is to implement a Zonal Traffic Circulation plan, similar to a ring road, across the city to reduce traffic to the centre. 

Other suggestions include a reduction of long stay parking options to encourage people to use the park and ride. 

Mark Goacher, who sits on the environment and sustainability panel, said: “In terms of anything that promotes the park and ride, I am totally in favour of that. In the future we will need look at having more than one park-and-ride.

“Any changes to High Street have to be done with residents in mind. Promoting public transport has to be a priority for the future, but residents' needs must be borne in mind.”

Residents can have their say on the masterplan next week.

For more information email planning.policy@colchester.gov.uk