A LONG-awaited traffic-calming scheme is finally due to be launched in Worcester City centre this week.

Electronic bollards in Angel Street will be operational from Thursday once final testing with the emergency services has been carried out.

Talks about the bollards began as long ago as 1994. The system has been in place for the last two years but the barriers have been plagued by a series of glitches.

Now, if all goes well, the £30,000 system will shut out any unauthorised traffic by allowing only buses and emergency services into Angel Street.

Buses and emergency vehicles have been fitted with transponders which electronically beam a signal to the bollards to lower them as the vehicle approaches.

Pedestrians

"This new traffic management measure is designed to ensure an efficient traffic control system for this area of the city," said Tom Comerford, senior engineer at Worcester City Council.

"It will offer a real benefit to both pedestrians and traders who suffer the inconvenience and loss of trade from unauthorised traffic driving into the area."

Normal traffic will now be barred between 10.30am and 4.30pm from Mondays to Saturdays.

Up until now this traffic order had been enforced by the police, but the new barriers will help prevent the constant flouting of this order and free up police resources.

If the system is successful, the city council will look at introducing similar schemes in other areas of the city.

Anyone who feels they have a legitimate right of access into Angel Street should contact Tom Comerford on 01905 722401 in order for the case to be considered and action taken if appropriate.