The first 3 stages of the Core scheme saw closures to through traffic in Bridge Street, Emmanuel Road and Silver Street, using rising bollards to control access. We are now putting forward detailed proposals for the 4th stage which will affect the Drummer Street - Emmanuel Street - St. Andrew's Street - Regent Street - Downing Street - Tennis Court Road area.

The proposals include measures to:

• improve access for public transport, cyclists and pedestrians
• Manage bus operations more effectively
• enhance the appearance of the area
• improve air quality

Better management of bus operations in the city centre forms a key part of the proposals. We are working closely with bus operators to develop a quality bus partnership (QBP), which all operators using bus stops in the core area would be required to sign up to. The QBP would be based upon a code of conduct drafted and agreed by the County Council and bus operators to improve the quality of service for bus passengers.

It is proposed to introduce a 20mph speed limit zone to improve safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.

To reduce pollution and in line with Government air quality targets, we are recommending the Core area becomes a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Bus exhaust emissions would be controlled and restrictions on other vehicles would also be implemented over time to meet Government air quality targets.

A table showing the predicted changes in traffic flows, if these measures were to be implemented, can be seen here.

Changes to traffic flow (PDF 52KB)