A new city centre ‘bus gate’ came into effect today, reducing access to Arundel Gate for normal traffic.
From the morning of 20 March, drivers will be fined £60 for driving northbound on Arundel Gate toward the Park Gate Roundabout – but will still be able to travel southbound.
Drivers will still be able to access the Novotel Hotel and Q-Park before the bus gate comes into effect. Only buses, taxis and other authorised vehicles will be allowed to use the road.
The new scheme is part of Sheffield City Council’s Clean Air Plan, which aims to reduce emissions in the city centre.
Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Co-Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “Arundel Gate is one of the most polluted spots in the city and the Council must do all it can to reduce these dangerous pollution levels.
“We cannot ignore the devastating effects pollution can have on people’s health, particularly the elderly, children and people with existing health conditions.”
The Council described Arundel Gate as one of the most polluted areas of the city, and said the gate will help the environment for pedestrians and cyclists as well as improve reliability of bus services.
The changes are being implemented through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), a legal tool that allows new highway measures to be implemented for a period of time, allowing members of the public to give feedback to the Council.
The bus gate will initially run for 18 months, and the consultation period will take place for the first 6 months of that period.
Cllr Iqbal said: “We encourage local people to have their say on this measure now to help us as we progress our plans. The statutory consultation is live now and will be for the first 6 months.
“Everyone’s feedback will be considered before a decision is made on whether or not to keep the bus gate in place.”
The Council’s Clean Air Plan has seen a series of measures put in place to reduce air pollution in Sheffield city centre.
This includes the controversial Clean Air Zone, which was introduced last month and charges heavy polluting vehicles for driving within the cities ring road.
Those wishing to make comments on the bus gate must send their name, address and details of comment to trafficregs@sheffield.gov.uk or info@connecting-sheffield.co.uk, with the subject line ‘Arundel Gate ETRO’.
