Motorists Warned About Using Pedestrianised Area
MOTORISTS are being warned about using the pedestrianised area of Market Street after a rise in the number of cars using it as a shortcut.
To tackle the problem Chorley Council will be working alongside the police to monitor cars and vans flouting the rules and issuing fixed penalty notices to those who are putting the safety of shoppers at risk.
Councillor Eric Bell, Chorley Council's Executive Member (Places), said: "Market Street was pedestrianised so that people could enjoy the shopping experience and walk through that part of the town centre without having to watch over their shoulder for cars and vans.
"Unfortunately, we've started to receive a few complaints about drivers ignoring the rules and when the gates had been left open for Walking Day people saw this as an opportunity to take a short cut through the town centre.
"I want to remind motorists that the restrictions to traffic apply even when the gates are open."
The traffic restrictions along Market Street allow delivery vehicles between 7am and 11am in the morning and between 4pm and 7pm in the afternoon between the junctions with High Street and St George's Street.
Outside of these times the area is gated at either end and only emergency vehicles are allowed in the pedestrianised areas along Market Street. The same restrictions apply to other pedestrianised areas along Chapel Street, Cleveland Street and Fazackerley Street.
"Whether people are driving through the pedestrian area as a shortcut, to drop someone off or to stop outside a cash machine it's not acceptable and risks causing an accident," said Coun Bell.
"We will be closely monitoring cars and vans using the pedestrianised area and if they're not meant to be there they will get an £xxx fixed penalty notice.
"We'll be writing to all the motorists spotted driving through the pedestrianised area on Walking Day and reminding them about the restrictions."
