This week:

I received a response to the question I asked about Blackett Street.

“The existing bus gate restriction commences east of Eldon Lane and no other vehicles except local buses and cycles should proceed eastwards beyond this point, however, the existing “Prohibition of driving” restriction for vehicles travelling westbound allows any vehicle to proceed if they are loading.

From investigation most vehicles travelling through Blackett Street are proceeding westwards, which they are currently allowed to do, and there are also exemptions in the existing traffic regulation order for those properties in this area, which at times also increases the number of cars that use Blackett Street. The difficulty we have with proposing a new restriction that only permits local buses to use Blackett Street, is that we must still retain access for the properties in this area that require vehicles to their properties.”

I am not sure what the vehicles would be loading on Blackett Street or what properties could require vehicle access so I have asked for more information.

On a positive note, there is a plan to introduce a red route (which prohibits stopping at any time) by the spring, which should stop private hire taxis / cars from using Blackett Street to drop off or pick up passengers.

I also contacted the Community Safety team about the ongoing harassment of a local business and the Events Team about traffic management around the Quayside on New Year’s Eve.