Decision details

The joint report of the Director Economy and Development and the City Centre Manager was submitted seeking support for new Bedford Square usage and booking arrangements.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 6 March 2008 and the support and comments of members were noted.

Councillor Prowse attended the meting and spoke on this item under Standing Order 44. He was concerned about the legality of traffic signs relating to lorry movement in the City Centre and sought assurance regarding the location of events within Bedford Square. The Director Economy and Development reported that, other than emergency access, Bedford Square was free of traffic between the hours of 10am and 6pm. It was the responsibility of Traffic Wardens to enforce parking restrictions during these hours. He reported that further traffic signs would be erected once the legality of the existing sign at the High Street/Fore Street junction had been confirmed which would then enable effective enforcement to take place.

Members commented on the current abuse by lorries loading and unloading in the High Street and looked forward to the Council’s new powers to enforce parking restrictions.

RESOLVED that the proposed guidelines for the use of Bedford Square be supported.

(Report circulated)