FLEET HIGH STREET PEDESTRIANISATION

12 Nov

The Fleet Road pedestrianisation scheme, promoted by Hart District Council, will be removed in its entirety by Hampshire County Council on Friday (13 November) following a recent request by Hart District Council councillors.

The road is likely to re-open to vehicles over the weekend or Monday at the latest and the Fleet Road bus route will be re-instated.

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “We know that, while schemes such as these can offer clear health and environmental benefits, the introduction of measures which fundamentally change the way people travel will always attract a range of views. 

“We agreed to install this trial scheme in Fleet, at the request of our colleagues at Hart District Council, using only temporary materials, and then carefully monitored its performance from the highway authority’s perspective. Hart District Council have now reviewed their scheme and subsequently requested that we remove the measures, which we have agreed to action later this week.”

To support continued accessibility and social distancing, Hampshire County Council will be making changes to some parking bays in Fleet Road.  Two temporary disabled bays on Upper Street and Church Road will be made permanent and three parking bays in front of Barclays, Boots and McDonalds on Fleet Road will be temporarily closed, making the footways wider.

Councillor Humby continued: “As part of our work across the county to support our local High Streets by making more space available for pedestrians to socially distance and improve accessibility for all, we will be making changes to five parking bays in total.”

1 Nov

Fleet Business Improvement District (BID) is calling on the community to come together to deliver a shared vision for regeneration in the town following Hart District Council’s decision to remove the temporary pedestrianisation scheme. 

The organisation, who arranged a series of Covid-19 secure activities and events on the pedestrianised Fleet Road over the last few months, believe the wider community has a part to play in the creation of a plan for Fleet’s future that enables businesses to thrive, whilst also meeting the needs of residents. 

Fleet Road was controversially pedestrianised back in August on a temporary basis, but will soon be re-opened after Hart District Council decided to scrap the project following feedback from residents, retailers and businesses. 

Despite having initial reservations over the scheme, Fleet BID believe local businesses have benefited from it. Bruce Bulgin, chair of Fleet BID, said: “We had reservations about the scheme, particularly the speed with which it was announced and the lack of detail which would show the opportunity this presents for Fleet.

Oct 28

In a survey of 99 businesses along Fleet Rd carried out by Hart District Council 61% were either in favour or did not object to the scheme. 39% thought the the scheme should end. The council stated that its priority was to ensure the safety of all residents and support the economic recovery in Hart.

Oct 14 2020

Hart District Council is to employ Rise Associates to look into the impact of the Fleet pedestrianisation scheme on businesses. The company will engage with retailers and businesses affected by the scheme. They will also be looking at the impact on local roads, monitoring traffic and checking residents feedback. The results will decide how long the scheme will remain in place.

Anyone with concern should email FleetRod@hart.gov.uk 

As of the 24th August, a temporary closure of Fleet Road came into effect between Church Road and Victoria Road to ensure residents and visitors can continue to safely shop in the town center while maintaining social distancing. 

The move also enabled restaurants/cafes to use the pavement for additional seating and allow more room for shoppers to pass and queue as necessary to enter shops, subject to a tables and chairs license. 

The measures were implemented by Hart District Council in response to Government guidance on public health during the pandemic. 

At Hart District Council's meeting on the 24th September, a motion was put forwards to reverse the pedestrianisation of the high street stating that despite good intentions "The negative impact on residents particularly those living near the closure, of traffic congestion and the resulting pollution has not been outweighed by any appreciable benefits to businesses." The motion was rejected, deciding to continue the trial for at least another month to collect more meaningful data on the impacts of the scheme and so the road closures will remain in effect for now. Those with comments about how the scheme can be improved can Email: FleetRoad@Hart.gov.uk 

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A motion put forward by Hart Conservatives to re-open Fleet Rd has been opposed by the CCH/LibDem Alliance.

There is evidence that the scheme is not supported by many residents and businesses.

A campaign by Hart Conservatives to return the road to normal use is taking place with more information at fb.com/hartconservatives  

Cllr Peter Wildsmith has had an abusive message posted underneath a Facebook page about the closure.

The scheme has retained the support of Fleet Town Council and Fleet Business Improvement District.