Rugby town centre could become a more friendly place for pedestrians, with moves to discourage traffic along the main streets.

The Cabinet of Rugby Borough Council is being asked to look at widening pavements and making safer road crossings in a £280,000 scheme.

The joint project between the borough and county councils was being drawn up after public consultations. Work could start in the spring to make the town easier for pedestrians, and deter through traffic using the

Although Market Place, High Street and Sheep Street were pedestrianised 20 years ago, the main road through the town - North Street running into Church Street and Clifton Road - is still very busy and divides the town centre in half.

Most journeys where motorists use that route could just as easily be made on a detour using Hillmorton Road and Corporation Street, or Regent Place, Albert Street and Railway Terrace.

Cllr James Shera, Cabinet member for Boro8ugh Development, said:

“Shoppers and retailers have complained for a long time about the amount and speed of traffic passing through the town centre. Journeys on foot across the town can be made hazardous and unpleasant by vehicles, noise and fumes.

“We want to discourage through traffic from taking short cuts through the town whilst at the same time maintaining easy access for those with business there.

“We also want to improve faculties for bus and taxi passengers and to generally make it easier for public transport in the town.

“Public consultation on the plans included a ‘Planning for Real’ exercise when dozens of people with an interest in the town identified problem areas and came up with solutions.”

These solutions have been worked into the plans. Cllr Shera said:

“These meet the wishes of local people in dealing with problems that are important to them.”
  

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