Council welcomes study into action to stop illegal traffic using Cartergate, Newark as a shortcut
Newark and Sherwood District Council has welcomed the launch of a feasibility study to explore ways of stopping drivers from illegally using Cartergate as a shortcut through Newark town centre.
Cartergate is a restricted pedestrian area in Newark town centre. Vehicles are not permitted to use the street, except for loading and unloading between 4pm and 8am, with restrictions enforceable by Nottinghamshire Police.
Despite Traffic Regulation Orders being in place and fines being issued, drivers continue to use the area illegally.
The District Council has regularly called for further action in the area. The feasibility study, led by Nottinghamshire County Council, will assess several options, including changing the direction of traffic flow and installing different bollards to help prevent unauthorised vehicle access.
Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
Residents and business owners have told us they continue to see vehicles being driven illegally through Cartergate, despite Traffic Regulation Orders being in place.
Drivers using Cartergate as a shortcut are putting pedestrians and shoppers at risk in an area that should be safe and accessible. We have raised these concerns over a number of years and continue to ask Nottinghamshire County Council to explore effective ways to prevent unauthorised vehicle access.
This feasibility study is a positive step forward, and we will continue to work with the County Council to help find a lasting solution. Residents have made clear the impact illegal driving is having in the area, and urgent action is needed.
Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:
Drivers who ignore the restrictions on Cartergate are acting unlawfully and creating an unacceptable risk in the heart of Newark. We understand the concerns of residents and businesses and the county council is determined to identify an effective way to stop the street being used as a shortcut.
Any intervention must be robust enough to deter unauthorised traffic, while continuing to provide the legitimate access that businesses and delivery vehicles rely on. Our feasibility study will rigorously test the available options, including how they would affect access, traffic movements and the wider road network.
We will use that evidence to determine a safe, practical and lasting solution, not one that merely displaces the problem. Once the study is complete, we will work with the district council and other partners to agree clear next steps and move the right option forward.
The District Council will continue to engage with Nottinghamshire County Council to ensure the feasibility study is completed in sufficient time and that appropriate action is taken once the findings are available.
The Council will also continue to work with Nottinghamshire Police to explore what further enforcement options are available and how penalties can have a stronger impact in discouraging illegal vehicle use.
