Monnow Street and St John Street in Monmouth will close to vehicles from Thursday 25th of June 2020. The council has carried out an emergency order to ensure people visiting the high street and town centre are safe when shopping and socially distancing. The measures mean vehicles will be prohibited from travelling via the streets, with an exemption for delivery vehicles needing to service the town.
The temporary measures are part of a number of changes to Monmouthshire’s towns and villages, with the aim of supporting local shops and businesses to begin trading safely following the Welsh Government’s recent announcement regarding the reopening of non-essential businesses.
The measures include: temporary speed limits, closures of streets and putting up signage in areas where there is a potential risk to pedestrians who may be socially distancing from passers-by. It’s hoped the changes will encourage the public to make the most of the active transport opportunities available to them by walking, cycling or catching public transport to visit Monmouthshire’s beautiful towns and villages. The measures have been put in place on a trial basis and the council is seeking constructive feedback from residents and businesses on how the changes are working.
The measures coincide with the council’s new ‘Shop Local, Shop Monmouthshire’ campaign which is supporting businesses to reopen with all the necessary safety measures in place. Banners, social-distancing markers and planters are being used to help return the county’s towns and villages to the vibrant hubs they were before lockdown, however, in the short-term it will be necessary to provide barriers, cones and signage to segregate traffic (pedestrians, cyclists and cars).
Cabinent Member for Infrastructure and Neighbourhood Services Jane Pratt said: “These temporary measures are part of Monmouthshire County Council’s wider initiative to support businesses as they begin to reopen after what has been a challenging period. We understand there will be a knock-on affect for people who may be used to driving through the high street but these measures have been implemented with our residents’ safety in mind. We would encourage everyone to reflect on how they travel during this time. If you are able to cycle or walk then it’s a perfect time to enjoy the summer months while doing your bit to help the environment. And don’t forget to Shop Local, Shop Monmouthshire.”
Details of all changes to Monmouthshire’s towns and villages can be found at: