Zero-tolerance for reckless drivers in city centre

Following a spate of reckless driving in pedestrianised zones in Hanley, city centre, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has taken a zero-tolerance approach to drivers abusing footpaths.

Delivery vehicles and taxis have been using a pedestrian zone on Parliament Row as an unofficial parking area for collections and drop-offs. Now Stoke-on-Trent City Council, in collaboration with Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), has installed planters and granite seating.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “We had parking enforcement officers on site multiple times a day, but even penalty charges didn’t deter drivers from parking or driving in the pedestrian area zones.

“In recent months, we have received multiple complaints from visitors to the city centre, and unfortunately, this includes a pedestrian who was hospitalised following an incident with a motor vehicle. Fortunately, in this case there were no serious injuries, however, due to the ongoing health and safety risks, we have no choice but to make the route impassable for vehicles. We have a zero-tolerance approach and pedestrian safety remains a key priority for the administration.”

Richard Buxton, chief executive officer at the BID, advised: "Parliament Row has been a problem with traffic illegally entering the public realm space for a number of years. Working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council a number of measures have been initiated that will stop traffic entering the street, reduce emissions, and make it a cleaner and safer place for our visitors."

For those who wish to make drop-offs and collections parking is available at Charles Street car park where a new 15-minute free tariff will be introduced for collections/delivery drivers.