A Low Traffic Zone (LTZ) in Salisbury starts today Wednesday, October 21, with selected vehicles only allowed access with a free permit.
Emergency vehicles, buses and coaches, taxis and bicycles will not require a permit, but residents and commercial vehicles loading and unloading, and Blue Badge holders, must apply for a free permit. Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes cannot access the LTZ between 10am and 4pm, and will also need a free permit.
People Friendly Salisbury puts pedestrians and cyclists first in several city-centre streets by restricting through traffic movements.
The project could help improve air quality and encourage more visitors and shoppers into the city.
The project, an 18 months trial, is subject to an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to allow the council to collect feedback and make changes to the scheme as appropriate. At the end of the ETRO period, the council will decide on making any of the changes permanent, or to revert to the way they were.
The project will be fully monitored, with 47 sensors providing anonymous data on vehicle and pedestrian movements within the LTZ, on the A36 and at other key points in the city. To help make people aware of the scheme, the council has sent letters to every residence and business in the LTZ, and to about 1,500 Blue Badge holders in the south of the county.
Apply for a free permit for LTZ residents, businesses, and Blue Badge holders at www.wanttopark.com/Wiltshire or, for more information, go to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/salisbury-people-friendly-streets.