Bridgend Council has unanimously backed a call for work to begin as soon as possible on long-standing proposals for the partial de-pedestrianisation of Bridgend town centre.
At this month’s full council meeting, a motion tabled by Cllr. Ian Williams (Ind, Oldcastle) called for BCBC’s Cabinet to commit to the de-pedestrianisation of Queen Street, Dunraven Place and Market Street.
Proposals for partial de-pedestrianisation have been discussed on-off for the best part of a decade.
Cllr. Williams said local businesses and other interested parties were “desperate” for traffic control bollards to remain down and for 30 minutes to one hour of parking being allowed along the proposed route.
Rejection on safety grounds “not logical”
He quoted a report from 2016 which said that de-pedestrianisation would benefit disabled people and the elderly.
Safety issues (particularly issues with kerb edges and the visually impaired) have been used as a reason not to go ahead.
Cllr. Williams quoted figures showing that there have been no accidents along the proposed route in the last three years when it is open to traffic overnight between 6 pm – 10 am. There was, therefore, “no logical argument” to suggest de-pedestrianisation would be dangerous for pedestrians.
The future of the town centre was now “critical” and the leadership needed to show courage and ensure work on de-pedestrianisation starts in a “timely manner”.
Motion expanded to cover all transport options
Cllr. Simon Griffiths (Lab, Brackla East & Coychurch) proposed an amendment to the motion which was also agreed upon.
Cllr. Griffiths backed the principle that any changes needed to be based on evidence. However, he wanted to ensure that as well as re-introducing traffic, all transport options – and access to the town centre more generally – are modernised. He used an example of cycling being banned in pedestrianised areas.
Although the motion was approved it’s not binding on the Cabinet (as far as I’m aware) – though it would likely result in political pressure if the motion is ignored.
