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A car ban in Truro? Local businesses have their say.
Businesses in and around Truro will next month be given their say over whether car drivers should face further restrictions in the city centre.The highly emotive issue is being tackled by Truro’s Chamber of Commerce at a high-profile debate involving traders, highways experts and other companies which do business in and around the city. The event will help develop a strategy which could see a move towards a complete ban on car use in more key city centre shopping streets. The Chamber of Commerce is urging anyone with an interest in the issue to attend the event on Tuesday 11th November at the Municipal Buildings in Boscawen Street. The Chamber’s Chairman David Tandy said: “The issue of further pedestrianisation in Truro has been around for some time, but we believe the time is now right for us to take a lead on this, to decide what sort of city centre we want in the years to come. A recent straw poll found that the majority of members wanted us to lobby for a more pedestrian-friendly city centre, but as this is such a major decision, we need to explore the issues more fully.” A number of options will be discussed at the meeting, from maintaining existing restrictions, through to more radical options such as a complete vehicle ban on Boscawen Street, King Street, River Street, Victoria Square and Princes Street. David continued: “It is important to say at this stage that we are open minded about the potential options. This is an opportunity for blue-sky thinking about the streets, types of vehicle and times of day that are affected. That’s why we are so keen to get a wide range of views represented at this debate.” The debate will hear from council officials about the practicalities of pedestrianising more streets, the likely impact on traffic flow around the city and how trade might be affected. Nigel Knuckey is a Chamber of Commerce member who is concerned about the potential impact that pedestrianisation could have. He runs the Wearhouse furniture shop in Princes Street and said: “I have real reservations about any more restrictions on vehicles in the city centre. I think there’s a danger that a ban could make it virtually impossible for shops to get deliveries and that could have a huge impact on business like mine. I’ll be making sure that viewpoint is heard at this debate.” Meanwhile other businesses would welcome a further ban on vehicles. Sam Parker, who runs the Artisan Cookshop commented: “On Boscawen Street shoppers often take their life in their hands because it’s neither very pedestrian or very car-friendly. There’s a constant conflict between the two and we need some clarity. Outside my shop on Pydar Street it’s supposed to be pedestrianised and yet there are often large lorries delivering. It needs to be sorted out.” The issue also forms part of Carrick District Council’s Area Action Plan, a blueprint for the future of Truro and Threemilestone. The debate takes place on Tuesday 11 November at 6pm in the Council Chamber at the Municipal Building. To reserve a place, email chamber@blackcat-pr.co.uk or call 01872 306403. More information on Truro Chamber of Commerce is available from www.truro-chamber.co.uk ENDS Notes to editor: For further media information, interview requests or images, please contact Tim Bowcock at Black Cat Public Relations on 084500 9 10 23. |
