Buses allowed to use Shaftesbury High Street

But temporary pedestrianisation measures are still in place.

Author: Maria Greenwood Published 21st Sep 2020

Buses are going to be allowed back down Shaftesbury High Street from today.

Temporary pedestrianisation measures were put in place to allow people to return to the High Street while social distancing.

These requirements are still in place due to the narrow pavements in parts of Shaftesbury's High Street.

The stakeholder group has continued to meet weekly to review the temporary pedestrianisation.

The group is comprised of Town and Dorset Council, Chamber of Commerce, public transport representatives and Economic Development and Highway officers.

They say business are reporting queues outside their premises in the narrow section of the High Street which would make distancing difficult if the road were fully open to traffic.

We're encouraged to keep up with measures to protect ourselves from Covid where possible

The stakeholder group has acknowledged that some vehicular access is still required and deliveries to the High Street premises are allowed through in a one-way direction at 5mph.

In response to feedback over the need for buses to access the High Street, the Temporary Traffic Regulation Order is being amended and buses will be able to travel Eastbound down the high street.

All other restrictions and temporary measures remain in place.