Large parts of Salisbury city centre could be pedestrianised

The measures, in line with advice from Westminster, will be put in place to allow pedestrians and cyclists more room to be able to keep two metres apart.

In plans revealed to the Journal – which includes input from Salisbury Police, Salisbury BID, Managing the City Pillar members, and businesses –  the city council has asked Wiltshire Council to "be bold in its approach to make the city as car free as possible".

Street parking - what roads are closing?

Street parking is to be temporarily suspended on Milford Street, Brown Street, Catherine Street, Fisherton Street, Silver Street, Chipper Lane, Castle Street, Minister Street, and Winchester Street.

Leader of Salisbury City Council, Jeremy Nettle, said: "This, if fully implemented, would enable social distancing to be maintained as per the government recommendation for relocating the road space for pedestrians and cyclists during the pandemic".

On street parking in the city centre will be limited to residential only, except where residential spaces are adjacent to shops and services.

These resident’s cars should be relocated to main car parks across the city.

Taxi ranks

The taxi rank outside Tesco Metro should be retained but limited to the current existing marked taxi rank with no overflow, and Tesco management should be encouraged to manage the use of this rank by its customers.

The eight spaces in New Canal will also be retained.

All other taxi ranks should be suspended and where possible pre-booked taxi travel encouraged.

Speed limits

Documents also show that the 20mph speed limit throughout the city centre will be more strictly enforced, with the remarking of roads signs and the addition of Speed Indication Devices.

New or less experienced cyclists will also be reminded of "the importance of being alert to other road users when cycling on the road, particularly those who have taken up cycling during the reduction in car usage".

Footpaths

Under the plans, the main area of concern is the Market Place, and the council has recommended that ‘Keep Left’ signs are displayed on walkways, and pedestrians can decide whether to use this route or take alternative, longer routes.

These signs will also be added on Water Lane, Library Walk, and from the Central car park to Waitrose.

Outside the ring road, the council is seeking the prioritisation of cycle paths, including a cycle and pedestrian route from St Peter’s Place into the city centre via Wilton Road and Devizes Road, and the repainting and remarking of existing cycle paths and advance stop lines lights to promote cycling.

Council chiefs say that these plans are to enable social distancing in the city, as more retail shops begin to re-open from June 1, but they may inform longer term works which make the most of the opportunity provided to consider more “people friendly” streets.

Commercial deliveries

Commercial deliveries will carry on as normal, but are to be “encouraged” before 8am and after 6pm to minimise traffic in the city centre during working hours.

Salisbury Council leader Jeremy Nettle said: “I understand that Wiltshire Council has received a Budget of £450,000 for the whole county, so I am sure that we will not get all that we have requested in making Salisbury safer for pedestrians and cyclists during this pandemic. Given the budget, I expect Wiltshire Council will cherry pick what can be implemented and at what speed.

“However, what we have identified are areas that could be trailed for pedestrianisation.”