A load of bollards: Works to install barriers to stop cars accessing Bridge Street hit delays

Works to replace the barriers on Long Causeway have been taking place for several weeks now – but the city council has revealed they have hit snags.

The bollards were installed in May 2009, after an incident in January 2008 when a driver ploughed into pedestrians in Long Causeway.

They have been automatically operated, to allow things like emergency vehicles and deliveries to take place in the city centre – but to prevent traffic from entering the area the rest of the time.

Building works have been taking place outside the Queensgate Boots to fit the new bollards.

Bollards are also being installed and upgraded on St John’s Square – where the Peterborough Telegraph has previously reported that hundreds of drivers have been fined for parking.

The bollards were initially installed in the square in 2021 to try and prevent illegal parking.

Cllr Angus Ellis, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are currently carrying out improvement works on the access routes to Cathedral Square, Bridge Street and Church Street. This will see bollards placed at strategic locations preventing unauthorised vehicle access to Cathedral Square.

“The bollards will help enhance pedestrian accessibility and safety and will be accompanied by a revised traffic regulation order that continues to prevent access to non-authorised vehicles and limit delivery and goods vehicles to specific times; exemptions will be applicable to specified vehicles.

“The first site to be delivered will be Long Causeway with works currently under way. Unfortunately, we have encountered a small delay at the Long Causeway site due to the discovery of unusually shallow utilities. We have been working closely with the necessary parties and are extremely close to agreeing a solution that all stakeholders are happy with. During the delays we have been able to divert the workforce and commence works at the other sites included in the project to help minimise prolonged disruption in the city centre.”