Road closures, pedestrian one-way systems and temporary cycle lanes to be introduced when Doncaster town centre re-opens

They are measures planned for when it can fully reopen for visitors – but the message remains only visit if absolutely essential.

Doncaster Council will introduce a ‘keep left’ pedestrian flow on busy town streets to help people keep 2m apart. They will be asked to walk on the left hand side of streets like St Sepulchre Gate, High Street and around the Frenchgate Centre.

A number of crossing points will allow people to get to the other side of the streets.

This will be introduced shortly and will be similar to what supermarkets operate.

Additional core parts of the town centre will be pedestrianised between 10.30am and 4.00pm.

This will see traffic restrictions in place at Sunny Bar and Wood Street. Pedestrian friendly areas will help people walk to where they need to safely and make it easier to observe social distancing rules. These changes should be in place from Monday May 18.

Some car parks may need to be accessed via different routes.

There are also plans for ‘pop-up’ cycle lanes for people want to avoid public transport.

The council’s enforcement and trading standards teams are also working with businesses during the Covid-19 emergency by providing them with help, guidance and support and ensuring they are complying with latest Government rules.

The council’s Street Scene team will be carrying out regular town centre cleanses.

Coun Bill Mordue, cabinet member for business, said: “The Government has indicated that it will be easing the lockdown in the coming weeks and months and we want Doncaster to be ready for when the lockdown is lifted.

“The town centre will need to look different and be used differently but these changes will be important to help keep people safe during this Covid-19 emergency.

“We do need to remind people that most of the town centre is still not open yet and they should only visit Doncaster town centre and our other town centres across our borough if it’s absolutely essential to do so.

“We do ask people to go to other, more suitable public spaces for their exercise.”