Bollards installed to stop 'unauthorised' vehicles driving through town centre

Bollards have been installed to stop cars driving through pedestrianised areas of Oldham town centre.

Oldham council has implemented the measures at the entrances to Albion Street and Henshaw Street to stop ‘unauthorised drivers’ from using the High Street.

The authority says that although the area is a car-free zone, some drivers have been using High Street, and stopping the area from being a safe place for those on foot or bike.

“From now on unauthorised vehicles won’t be able to get access to the town centre unless it’s an essential trip or emergency,” the council stated.

Oldham council leader Arooj Shah said: “As a council, we are committed to creating a town centre that is safe and accessible to everyone.

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“Oldhamers have told us that they’re concerned about pedestrian safety on the high street so we’re installing these bollards to limit access.

“Not only will this give shoppers peace of mind when they visit, it will also make walking and cycling around the town centre even safer with fewer cars on the road.

“The new bollards also help us to build a better town where we encourage more people to cycle, walk, and use public transport.”

The bollards will be active seven days a week and will only be lowered for authorised vehicles, such as those making deliveries or responding to emergencies.

The authority says this measure is another part of its ‘Accessible Oldham scheme’, a series of improvements to make it ‘easier, safer and more enjoyable to travel around Oldham’.

As part of the scheme, the council recently announced the opening