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Fishergate new rule means drivers can’t turn right out of Butler Street

Posted on - 28th May, 2016 - 12:08pm | Author - | Posted in - Business, Preston City Centre, Preston News, Roads, Transport
Traffic jam in Fishergate in Preston city centre: Pic: Tony Worrall

Traffic jam in Fishergate in Preston city centre: Pic: Tony Worrall

Drivers face being prosecuted if they turn right from Butler Street into Fishergate.

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The new rule is part of a range of measures put in by Lancashire County Council in response to growing criticism about congestion in Preston city centre.

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Branded as ‘experimental’ the traffic order came into force during Friday (27 May).

Further plans for the city centre which come into force during the Autumn:

– Restrict access on Fishergate from Theatre Street to Corporation Street to buses and delivery vehicles only
– Cars leaving the St George’s car park have to use Chapel Street to exit the city centre

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Related: Shoppers trapped in St George’s Shopping Centre car park

Cabinet member for highways and transport county councillor John Fillis said: “The Fishergate improvements have been a resounding success, making it a much more attractive place to be and attracting new businesses to the area. However, we have to acknowledge that at peak times the road network has struggled to cope with the volume of traffic.

“I am hopeful that these measures will introduce will have a positive impact but there are other factors that can help improve the situation. I’d like to encourage people to think about all of their parking and travel options, including the park and ride, which could reduce congestion at key times.

“The traffic arrangements on Fishergate rely on a certain amount of co-operation and give and take between drivers and pedestrians, and I’d like to ask everyone visiting Fishergate to bear that in mind.”

Human traffic light in Fishergate directing traffic

During Christmas the county council had to bring in sign-holders to direct traffic

The changes follow lobbying by the Preston Business Improvement District and numerous reports of city centre shoppers becoming trapped in St George’s and Fishergate car parks for hours at a time on weekends, particularly Bank Holidays.

John Boydell, Chairman of Preston City Centre Business Improvement District, said: “We are pleased that Lancashire County Council has reacted positively to the concerns of business and that we’re now in an ongoing dialogue over measures to improve traffic flow in and around the city centre.

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“There is common ground to seek the advancement of the city as a great place to work, live and visit, and we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures to ensure Preston city centre remains vibrant and attractive to visitors, shoppers, businesses and investors”.

Will the changes work? Have you seen them being enforced? Let us know in the comments below

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