Here’s all you need to know about the extended pedestrianisation hours for Newbury town centre

A trial to extend the hours that Newbury is pedestrianised begins today (Monday).

The town centre will now be a no-car zone from 10am until 11pm.

It is currently shut off to vehicles from 10am until 5pm.

The plans are going ahead after the Department for Transport approved the council’s application for the trial – despite 58.5 per cent of people who responded to the West Berkshire Council pre-trial consultation about it saying they didn’t want it.

In total, 36.7 per cent of those who answered supported the proposed trial extension to the pedestrianised hours in the town centre.

From today the pedestrianisation hours along Northbrook Street, Bridge Street, Bartholomew Street (north), Mansion House Street, Wharf Street and Market Place will be extended until later in the evening as a trial under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).

An ETRO must be made by the local authority under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 when they want to restrict the use of a public highway whether that is permanently, experimentally or temporarily.

A council press release last month did not mention any stats but said “while there was a mixed response, and a good level of support, to the proposal, we believe that this now presents a valuable opportunity for the public to engage and share their views whilst a trial is carried out”.

A formal consultation seeking feedback will now be run for the first six months of the trial.

After that the trial will remain in place until it is decided whether or not to make it a permanent change.

You can complete the consultation here, up until November 19.

The council said it believes that pedestrianising the town centre will boost the local economy and enhance the environment – creating a cleaner, quieter town centre with more outdoor dining and event opportunities.

It also said the plans will improve safety, saying fewer vehicle interactions make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Announcing the start date for the trial, West Berkshire Council executive member for the environment and highways Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill) said: “We are pleased to have secured Department for Transport approval to trial this important initiative for Newbury.

“Extending pedestrianisation has the potential to create a safer, greener, more vibrant town centre while supporting local businesses and promoting sustainability.

“This trial allows us to test the benefits, listen to residents and businesses, and shape the future of our town centre together.”