logo
'We do not want cars banned from our High Street'

'We do not want cars banned from our High Street'

Yahoo07-07-2025
DROITWICH people do not want to see a ban on cars in the High Street, claims a councillor after an important survey.
Councillor Daniel Birch has called for notions of pedestrianising Droitwich's historic High Street to be put to bed after a recent traffic and speed survey.
Some residents previously called for the narrow street to become pedestrianised after concerns were raised over the use of cars and speeding.
A recent traffic and speed survey requested by Droitwich Small Business Association found vehicles travelled at safe speeds and a significant number of cars use the High Street regularly.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Garden centre scraps animal section to make way for 'exciting' development
Plans to repair bridges which pose safety risk at National Trust site
'Hidden gem' cafe rated the best coffee house in Worcester (again)
Cllr Birch said the findings show how important shoppers found the High Street.
"Many customers value the ease and convenience of being able to drive and park close by," he said.
"Taking that away would make access harder, particularly for those with mobility issues.
"The High Street itself already poses challenges—it is steep and uneven due to the town's salt-based geology, giving us our unique and historic 'wonky' street.
"While we're proud of this, it does mean accessibility is already a concern.
"Running a business is hard enough. The last thing our independent traders need is another barrier that discourages footfall or deters loyal customers."
He added that preventing cars from accessing the street would not serve the best interests of local businesses or residents.
A graph showing the results from the survey. (Image: Dan Birch) The results of the survey found that 890 vehicles use Droitwich High Street daily and 100 per cent of these vehicles travelled at or below the 30mph speed limit.
The majority were found to have travelled half the speed limit on the road.
The survey was conducted between June 16 and June 24.
It is feared that if the area is pedestrianised, High Streets could lose out on up to 890 potential customers.
Cllr Birch added: "While local businesses support the idea of improving the street with additional planting and street furniture to enhance its look and feel, full pedestrianisation simply isn't right for Droitwich.
"As your county councillor, and as long as vehicle speeds remain safe, I will continue to oppose any moves to pedestrianise our High Street.
"Let's support our businesses, not make life harder for them."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Council considers expansion of school parking ban
Council considers expansion of school parking ban

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Council considers expansion of school parking ban

Restrictions on motorists parking outside schools in Derby during peak times could be extended. The city council is consulting on a plan to add a new area to its School Safe Haven Zones, set up to make roads safer and encourage walking and cycling. A three-month consultation is under way on extending the restrictions to Sheridan Street in Sinfin, where Cottons Farm Primary Academy is based. Sarah Chambers, city councillor for the ward, said: "After spending every Thursday for six weeks at school arrival and home time, we were able to provide evidence and mitigating factors to submit Cottons Farm for the next trial." If approved, Sheridan Street will become a pedestrian and cycle zone only between 08:30 and 09:00 and 15:00 to 15:45. The initiative is already in place in 14 roads with nearby schools. The council previously said its scheme had "led the way nationally, with other councils raising interest in adopting similar powers", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. The scheme was set up following concerns children and parents were unsafe on several roads. Zones operate outside of schools, using temporary road closures or restrictions to limit the use of cars for school drop-offs and pick-ups. Enforced by ANPR cameras, with fines of £70, the zones restrict vehicles during peak hours to improve air quality and safety for students. Data collected in Derby has shown "significant reductions" of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations, with reductions of up to 48.8% in some locations. Exemptions are allowed for residents, emergency services, and blue badge holders. The council says it will analyse feedback and determine next steps for the trial. If the trial is successful, consideration will then be given to making the scheme permanent. The public consultation closes on Sunday 12 October. Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. See more Motorists face term-time school ban from busy road

Two-vehicle crash closes stretch of busy Gwynedd road
Two-vehicle crash closes stretch of busy Gwynedd road

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Two-vehicle crash closes stretch of busy Gwynedd road

A two-vehicle accident happened in Gwynedd this morning. Emergency services were called to the incident which blocked a major road. It took place on the A487 at Cross Foxes near Dolgellau at about 11.20am. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it was alert at 11.33am and it sent a crew from Dolgellau. A spokesman said no fire fighting or extraction was needed but the crew supplied a medical pack. The extent of any injuries is not known. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday READ MORE: 'Private Property' sign shatters tranquility of beautiful Eryri lake used by generations of locals READ MORE: Clampdown ordered at besieged North Wales beauty spot The traffic monitoring service Inrix reported that the accident happened on the A487 at about 11.22am. Traffic was queuing in both directions from the Tywyn turn off at Minffordd to the A470 for Cross Foxes, it said. North Wales Police said on its NWP Gwynedd South Facebook page that the A487 in Dolgellau was re-opened at about 1.10pm, about two hours after the collision. The force added: "We thank members of the public for their patience." The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up

FCA finds external cost pressures driving motor premium hikes
FCA finds external cost pressures driving motor premium hikes

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

FCA finds external cost pressures driving motor premium hikes

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed this week that a steep rise in UK motor insurance premiums has largely been driven by rising external costs, not inflated insurer profits, but has warned of persistent shortcomings in how some insurers are managing claims. In an analysis, the FCA revealed that the increasing cost of settling motor claims, driven by higher prices for vehicles, parts, labour, energy, and more complex supply chains, is the main cause behind recent premium hikes. Additional pressure has come from rising costs for hire vehicles, a surge in theft claims, and an increase in uninsured drivers. Despite these external factors, the regulator flagged concerns around poor claims handling practices that may be compounding the problem. In particular, referral fees from credit hire firms and claims management companies were linked to slower claims processing and higher costs for both consumers and insurers. While the FCA observed good practices in parts of the home and travel insurance sectors, its investigation also exposed worrying failings across the industry. These include: Weak oversight of outsourced services, leading to delays and high volumes of complaints; Inadequate management information, resulting in unresolved claims issues; A low payout rate for storm damage claims in 2024, with only 32% of claims honoured in a sample of firms; and Over-reliance on cash settlements, often without assessing whether they were in the customer's best interest. The FCA said it is addressing poor practices directly with individual firms, including taking regulatory action where necessary. It is also feeding its findings into the Government's motor insurance taskforce to help drive coordinated action between regulators, industry, and policymakers to tackle rising costs. The regulator stressed, however, that while such collaboration could help mitigate price increases, it will not be able to prevent them entirely. Premium finance market under FCA spotlight Also released this week was an interim update from the FCA's ongoing market study into premium finance — the additional cost consumers face when they choose to pay their insurance monthly instead of annually. While premium finance can offer greater affordability and flexibility, the FCA warned that some firms are profiting disproportionately from offering this service, charging significantly more than the cost of providing it. The next phase of the study will delve deeper into these concerns, using the Consumer Duty to ensure firms deliver fair value. A final report is due by the end of 2025. Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive of the FCA, said: 'Insurance provides peace of mind but people must be confident they can get a fair deal and be treated right when the worst happens. "External cost pressures are primarily to blame for recent motor premium increases, not increased firm profits, but there is some more work to do on claims handling, particularly in home and travel. That's why we're stepping up — making sure claims are handled promptly and fairly and pushing for a coordinated effort to tackle the root causes of rising motor premiums.' The FCA also published a review of its pricing reforms, which showed they have successfully narrowed the price gap between new and existing customers in both motor and home insurance. The reforms have curbed the practice of 'price walking,' where loyal policyholders were penalised with higher renewal premiums. "FCA finds external cost pressures driving motor premium hikes" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store