New temporary gates to be installed in Bath to help social distancing

Improved temporary gates to help pedestrians social distance safely by closing roads to vehicles will be installed in three Bath streets this week.

York Street, Cheap Street and Upper Borough Walls were closed by Bath & North East Somerset Council on June 15 as part of the response to COVID-19 to support public safety and health.

Steel pedestrian barriers currently prevent vehicle access in the three roads but more robust lockable gates will be installed on August 7, keeping to the current closure times between 10am and 6pm.

The gates will continue to be maintained and operated by traffic marshals who will unlock the gates to allow access for emergency services and emergency utility works along with a small number of other essential operations.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “The temporary access restrictions at York Street, Cheap Street and Upper Borough Walls have been running smoothly but as we stated a few weeks ago, we need to put in more robust barriers to help keep people and livelihoods safe and secure. We want to make sure social distancing can take place so that that the public remain safe whilst living in, working in or visiting the city.

“Thank you to all the people who have submitted their views about the temporary measures and we are still welcoming comments via the Sustrans ‘Space to Move’ website: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/space-to-move/

Full details of the access restrictions, including permit applications for access are provided on the council’s website at www.bathnes.gov.uk/bathsocialdistancing

For updates on all council services visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus