MAJOR changes which aim to make Cirencester town centre a safer place come into effect this week.

Extra disabled parking bays, more pay and display spaces and a no entry restriction are some of the new measures which aim to make the bustling Market Place and surrounding area safer for pedestrians and more accessible for blue badge holders.

Gloucestershire County Council has been working on these plans with Cirencester Town Council for the last few years, and after many consultations and edits, the final version will come into effect on Thursday, April 4.

A no entry order will be imposed on Cricklade Street which will prohibit any vehicles apart from bicycles from entering the north end of the street between Market Place and Ashcroft Road.

This aims to resolve the issue of drivers ignoring the pedestrian only signs at the street's Market Place entrance.

A steady stream of motorists bolt down the busy street everyday and some residents have raised concerns that young children and elderly pedestrians could get hurt.

In addition, more pay and display parking places will be introduced to Dyer Street and Cricklade Street.

Motorists will be able to park in these spaces for a maximum of two hours between 8am and 6pm everyday.

The first 20 minutes of parking will be free but drivers wishing to stay longer must pay £1 for 41 minutes, £1.45 for an hour, £1.80 for one hour and 15 minutes, £2.20 for an hour and a half, £2.55 for one hour and 45 minutes or £2.90 for two hours.

GCC says the decision for 20 minutes of free parking means visitors will be able to complete quick errands, such as picking up a prescription, free of charge.

Furthermore, extra disabled only parking bays have been added to Castle Street, Cricklade Street, Dyer Street, Market Place and West Way.

This change aims to make the town centre more accessible for blue badge holders who will be able to park in these spaces for up to three hours.

Meanwhile, other measures focussing on altering parking within the town centre to reduce traffic congestion in the busy Market Place area have also been implemented.

For example, the Market Place's taxi rank will be relocated (only 5 metres down the road), motorcycles only parking bays will be introduced near the former House of Fraser building and the existing restricted parking zone (no loading except in signed bays) along Dyer Street will also be extended.

In addition, more loading bays - which will apply between 8am and 6pm - will be added to Castle Street, Cricklade Street, Dyer Street plus extra pay and display parking spaces in Castle Street.

Lastly, timed no waiting and no loading restrictions will be introduced along North Way, South Way, Dyer Street and Cricklade Street.

A spokesperson for GCC said: "New measures to improve parking and traffic control are set to be introduced in Cirencester Market Place and the town centre.

"GCC has been working in partnership with Cirencester Town Council to deliver these improvements.

"The proposals were formed through feedback received in informal engagement exercises in 2021 and support from the town council.

"Extra parking bays in the town and restricted parking areas will ensure there is regular turnover of parking spaces and will provide better short stay access to shops and businesses in the town centre.

"Additional disabled bays will also be introduced to protect kerbside space for blue badge holders."

To see full plans view tinyurl.com/3ccc9t34