The government has warned councils to take a careful approach to pedestrianising high streets, saying that proposals to ban traffic must be properly assessed before being introduced.
It said the process “needs to be well considered” and raised concerns that removing traffic could damage local economies. The warning places emphasis on understanding the potential economic consequences of changes to how high streets are used.
Councils considering pedestrianisation will therefore need to weigh the expected benefits against the risk of reducing economic activity. The supplied statement does not identify any specific council, high street or proposal, and gives no further details about the measures being considered.
The government’s position is that traffic restrictions should not be introduced without careful consideration. No further decisions, timetable or response from individual councils has been provided.