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Halifax's pedestrianised streets

How the bollards work

Southgate, Corn Market, Cheapside, Russell Street and Crown Street are part of the busy pedestrianised area where it is essential that pedestrians are not placed at risk by unnecessary vehicle movement. Vehicles were already excluded from this area at certain times but abuse of the restrictions was commonplace and the Police were hard pressed to enforce them. The bollards simply prevent abuse of the existing restrictions.

Procedures and times

You can only enter the precinct between the hours of 4pm and 9.30am for the sole purpose of loading and unloading. During this time, the bollards will be permanently down. The bollards will rise at 9.30am to prevent further access but you will be able to exit the precinct between 9.30am and 10am. During this period, the exit bollards will lower automatically as you wait at the signal pole. Between 10am and 4pm, you will not be able to exit the precinct, other than by contacting the control room via the intercom on the signal pole.

Other than in very exceptional circumstances, if you fail to leave by 10am will have been in breach of the Traffic Regulation Order for the precinct. You will need to contact the control room using the intercom on the signal pole. The controller will arrange for the Police or a traffic warden to attend, and they will deal with you and authorise the lowering of the bollards to allow you to exit. The duration of this process will depend on the availability of the Police or Traffic Wardens.

You will not be allowed to enter after 9.30am even if you are simply loading or unloading.

There are a very limited number of cases where access would be permitted. Access is generally available for emergency vehicles, post office deliveries, refuse collection, security vehicles and for the snow plough. Separate arrangements are being made with these groups.

In addition, access can be made available for emergencies and essential building maintenance work - you will need to use the intercom to contact the control room and explain why you need access.

If you arrive just after 9.30am and the bollards are already up, you would be breaking the law by entering, therefore you will not be allowed to enter.

If you fail to exit by 10am you will have to follow the exit procedure described above.

Safety

If you fail to observe the operating instructions displayed at the bollards you risk damage to your vehicle. You may only proceed when the light is green. At any other time, the bollards will be raised or moving. Do not try to follow closely behind another vehicle. The system will allow only one vehicle at a time to pass. The bollards will then start to rise. 'Tailgating' vehicles are at risk of damage from the rising bollard.

For the safety of pedestrians the system will display a red traffic light and there will be an audible warning when the bollards are moving.

Dos and don'ts

Don't rely on your own vision, always wait until the green light shows.

Don't tailgate. The bollards will begin rising after the first vehicle passes.

Always wait until the green light shows to ensure the bollard is fully down to avoid damage to your vehicle.

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