As the shops re-opened, people returned to work and visitor numbers increased, temporary measures were introduced in Hereford and the market towns to give pedestrians and cyclists the space they need to maintain social distancing and travel safely.
The measures, which include temporary barriers and signage to widen footways, partial road closures and dedicated cycle lanes, allow more space to walk and cycle in busy areas, helping pedestrians and cyclists feel safer where space is shared.
Following feedback from businesses and individuals on the initial measures in Hereford, a number of revisions have been made:
- The temporary barriers to widen footways on Bridge St, King St and Broad St are being replaced with planters to enhance the appearance of the measures in these historic streets
- Parking bays have been reintroduced in Broad street as parallel bays (disabled and pay and display bays)
- Temporary advisory pickup bays have been introduced in King St, which traders have identified as important in current conditions
- Taxis will be able to travel northbound across the Old Wye Bridge from Saturday 22 August to support this alternative to private car use
- The proposed bus and cycle lanes on Newmarket St and Blueschool St will not be implemented.
Cllr John Harrington, Cabinet member infrastructure and transport, explains: “We want to provide as much space to cyclists and pedestrians as possible to encourage people to use alternatives to the car to travel around the city, and to free up pavements for safe queuing and distancing.
“When we first introduced the temporary measures we promised we would listen to feedback from traders and residents on the impact on their journey and business, and respond. This is exactly what we have done with the revisions we have made.
“We want people to feel relaxed when they come into town and to spend more time and money within our towns and the City. Figures recently released by Hereford BID show an increase of 25% in footfall in Hereford, demonstrating the strength of our city’s appeal to residents and visitors. We would encourage feedback on the temporary measures in Hereford and the market towns so that we can continue to ensure they support pedestrians and cyclists to travel around the busiest areas safely.”
You can provide your feedback on the temporary travel measures at: https://herefordshirecovidactivetravel.commonplace.is
