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Folkestone: Removable bollards planned to re-enforce the Old High Street as a pedestrian zone

Removable bollards are to be placed at the top and bottom of the Old High Street in Folkestone, to keep out traffic and re-enforce it as a pedestrian zone.

The historic cobbled road has signs at the top, nearest the town centre, telling motorists and delivery drivers not to use it between 10am and 6pm.

The Creative Foundation, the charity transforming the old town section of Folkestone, said that the road restrictions should be “enforced properly.”

The top of the Old High Street last week bustling with people at the Christmas lights were switched on. Picture: Gary Browne
The top of the Old High Street last week bustling with people at the Christmas lights were switched on. Picture: Gary Browne

Marketing and engagement manager Ioannis Ioannou spoke on behalf of the organisation.

He said: “The Creative Foundation’s view is that the road closure of the Old High Street between 10am to 6pm every day should be enforced by highways and the police.

“The Creative Foundation closed it during the Open Quarter 2016 and it worked really well during that weekend, so we would like to see it enforced properly.”

The Old High Street with the Creative Quarter signage
The Old High Street with the Creative Quarter signage

The narrow stretch, which has slim pavements either side and a road barely wide enough to fit a car, is packed with quaint shops and businesses.

When vehicles do use this route it often leaves no room for people to walk either side, with some taking shelter in shop entrances.

Police are working with Kent County Council’s highways department to install the bollards.

The Old High Street in November 1973
The Old High Street in November 1973

A spokesman said: “Driving prohibitions, like some other traffic regulations, are usually self-enforcing.

“That means the majority of motorists will abide by the rules shown on signs such as ‘No Entry’, ‘One Way’, speed limits, and so on.

“If a police officer is present when a contravention takes place, they will take action if it is safe and appropriate to do so.

“However, a police officer cannot be there to enforce the regulations all the time so we are working with Kent Highways to have bollards at times when there should be no access for vehicles.”

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