Friday, 23 October 2009 08:06

Permanent changes to East Street, Horsham

A new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for East Street, Horsham, has come into effect.  

The old experimental TRO ended on Monday October 19 and has been replaced with a permanent one, which bans vehicles from using the road 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The only exceptions will be for blue badge holders and delivery vehicles, which must use the designated bays that are due to be put in.  

The new TRO was agreed at the March and July 2009 meetings of the North Horsham County Local Committee (CLC).

Brad Watson OBE, chairman of the CLC, said: “At the meetings in March and July this year there were some lively debates about the alterations to the TRO.  Everyone had a chance to air their views and I feel new TRO is the best solution available at this time to progress this joint scheme.”

Cllr Roger Paterson, Cabinet Member for the Local Economy and Leisure at Horsham District Council added: "I am confident that this new traffic order will continue to support the retail rejuvenation of East Street, which has proved so successful in attracting new outlets, particularly the wonderful new line up of top class restaurants.

“However, this is only an interim step towards our ultimate goal of achieving a fully enhanced street space with 'shared surface' next year, which will make Horsham one of the most distinctive shopping towns in West Sussex."

Next March, East Street will be resurfaced and raised to the same level as the pavement.  This is designed to enhance the pedestrian area and make it easier for disabled people to use.