This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Cars barred from Chippenham Market Place following pedestrian safety concerns
A gated entrance to Chippenham Market Place is to be reinstated to prevent cars from entering the pedestrian zone and hitting pedestrians.
The Market Place already has a Traffic Regulation Order in place to prevent all motor vehicles from entering the area.
But some drivers have been taking advantage of a gap in the barrier to access the area and park their cars.
Now Wiltshire Council and Chippenham Town Council are to reinstall the original gated entrance to make the area inaccessible for motor vehicles.
The gate can be opened to allow access for events and emergencies, and to allow delivery drivers to access the area – although they will be expected to open and shut the gates behind them.
Wiltshire Council is also installing extra signage to inform motorists that there is no entry to the Market Place.
Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: There have been several reports of vehicles nearly hitting pedestrians in Chippenham’s Market Place and that’s why, in partnership with Chippenham Town Council, we are taking this action to keep pedestrians safe to enjoy the town centre.
“Some people may not have been aware that there has been a Traffic Regulation Order in place that prevents vehicles from entering the Market Place for many years, and so the moving of barriers and installation of signage to prevent vehicular access is just a formalisation of that legal order.
“We hope that this positive change will make visiting Chippenham town centre a safer and more pleasant experience for all pedestrians.”
Cllr Pete Cousins, leader of Chippenham Town Council, said: We have witnessed many situations in Market Place where the public have been put at risk by motorists driving in and out of the area.
“We hope that by reinstalling the original gate and raising awareness of the existing restrictions, the Market Place will become a much safer space for pedestrians.”