Concerns over public safety at St Nicholas Square in Gloucester
Councillors have raised concerns over vehicles mounting the pavement and driving up and parking in front of a row of shops in Gloucester city centre.
Liberal Democrat councillors have contacted Gloucester City Homes and Gloucestershire County Council about the parking problem in front of St Nicholas Square, which is located off Westgate Street.
Councillor Howard Hyman, who represents Westgate on the city council, said: “It is frustrating as I am not receiving a satisfactory response from the county council, and I am deeply concerned about the number of vehicles driving from the corner of Archdeacon Street over the pavement and in-front of the launderette.
“I am worried that if action is not taken soon a serious accident is going to happen in this area.
“A simple solution would be to place a bollard at the entrance of the area coming off Archdeacon Street.
“I was quoted the bollards policy by the county council, which does say it can put a bollard in place as a matter of public safety, but they do not seem interested in doing this even though bollards have been placed in other areas of Westgate.
“Instead, I was told by the county council that there are traffic restrictions in place and that I should simply call the police, but the police can’t be there 24/7.
“We need a preventative measure rather than a reactive one.”
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, who also represents the Westgate area, added: “My colleague has raised a very serious concern to public safety and I am disappointed with the county council’s response.
“The response is a nonchalant one and is at best unhelpful and as worse complacent. No one wants to see an accident happen, but it is one in the waiting, if action continues not to be taken.
“It is unsafe for all pedestrians and vehicles should not be given such easy access to mount the pavement.
“My plea to the county council is for a bollard to stop vehicle access be installed without delay at St Nicholas Square before a pedestrian is injured.”