North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner, ENGIE, will be re-introducing the rising bollards on Grimsby Town Centre’s Victoria Street from Tuesday 1 September.
The re-introduction of these bollards replaces existing failed bollards and supports a long-standing Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in place, restricting access into the pedestrian area and improving overall pedestrian safety. Restrictions of this nature are common practice in high streets across the UK.
Re-introducing these bollards further supports in our ongoing response to COVID-19, supporting social distancing measures and managing the number of vehicles accessing the area.
The bollards will be raised each day between 10:30am and 4pm, only being lowered for maintenance, statutory reasons or in emergencies during those hours.
Outside of these hours, the bollards will be dropped to provide businesses with access to ensure continuity of commercial activity. However, any vehicle found to be entering this area between the hours of 4pm and 10:30am without a valid reason may be subject to enforcement action.
Officers at ENGIE have engaged with affected businesses in the area to make them aware of the changes and to support them in making changes to their operations to manage the bollard introduction.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “We understand this may cause an element of disruption to businesses, but these bollards are critical for pedestrian safety and our ongoing COVID-19 response.
“We are committed to working with businesses affected and ensuring they can continue with minimal disruption when they come into operation next month.
“This shouldn’t come as a new addition to the town centre, but unfortunately, due to equipment issues, the bollards have been out of action for a few years and we’re now pleased to see them back in action.”
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, added: “The purpose of these bollards is to restrict vehicle access on our pedestrianised high street and provide increased levels of safety.
“As part of the work to bring these bollards back into use, we have liaised with colleagues in the police and Freshney Place. Both organisations are supportive in the re-introduction and the enhanced safety it will provide in the town centre.”
North East Lincolnshire Council and ENGIE will monitor the bollards over the next few months and are committed to working with all affected businesses.
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