Bold High Street traffic plans get the green light

Mar 9 2009 by Alison Rennie, Paisley Daily Express

COUNCILLORS have given the green light for High Street to be open to traffic again.

The ambitious proposal has been given approval and work will now start on a consultation process to iron out the finer details.

And if everything goes to plan, cars could be back on the street by Christmas this year.

It is hoped shoppers and visitors will flock to the town centre – which has lost big names like Arnotts, Littlewoods and Top Shop in recent years – if there is better access to shops and facilities.

Under the proposals, High Street and Gilmour Street will be opened up to one way traffic, a pedestrian crossing will be set up on Gauze Street at Smithhills Street and pick-up and drop-off points will be installed on High Street.

An extensive consultation with shopkeepers, the public and Strathclyde Police will now be carried out.

Councillors have also agreed to start a consultation on permanently opening up St Mirren Street, part of High Street and Gauze Street to traffic.

Since August last year, traffic has been able to use the streets in a bid to make it easier for drivers to travel through the town and bring more people into Paisley town centre.

Traffic surveys showed there has been a 40 per cent increase in traffic on these roads since the traffic banning order was lifted but this hasn’t caused any significant difficulties.

An 18-month experimental order is currently in place so the process has begun now to bring in a permanent order because it could be a lengthy process if there are any objections.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of the Renfrewshire Council Environment and Infrastructure Policy Board which approved both plans, said: “These ambitious proposals will significantly improve access to the town centre and will be welcomed by residents, retailers and visitors.

“Boosting the prospects for the town centre is one of the council’s top priorities.

“This is the latest in a series of moves to enhance the environment, business prospects, community safety and architectural heritage.

“Only an integrated approach will revive the town centre and improving travel access is a vital part of bringing people back into the heart of the town.

“We believe this move will bring long-lasting benefits.”