PLANS to further pedestrianise Broad Street have been confirmed, with buses set to lose their exemption and commercial unloading hours reduced.
Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan has approved amendments to road traffic legislation that will formally end bus access to the street. Broad Street has largely been vehicle-free since 2020, becoming a permanent pedestrian-focused zone in 2022, with access limited to buses, cyclists, and delivery vehicles.
However, following successful trials of alternative bus routes that bypass Broad Street, the exemption is no longer considered necessary.
Reintroducing buses to the street would be “detrimental to ongoing public realm improvements,” a report accompanying the ministerial decision said.
New rules will also shorten the permitted unloading window for commercial vehicles by one hour, restricting access to between 7am and 10am – instead of 11am – from Monday to Saturday.
The changes will also apply to nearby sections of Charing Cross and York Street.
Work continues on transforming Broad Street into a pedestrian-priority area, with completion targeted for 2027, inspired by the King Street and New Street scheme.
