AUTOMATIC bollards will make Gloucester’s city centre 'gate streets' safer for pedestrians from Monday, March 2.

The new automatic bollards will operate seven days a week between 10am and 5pm and will stop any vehicles accessing the 'gate streets', protecting the pedestrianised area and making it a safer environment for shoppers.

When the bollards are not in operation, the roads will be open for delivery access. Emergency vehicles will have access at all times.

Last year Gloucestershire County Council consulted on the bollards, working closely with local businesses and Gloucester Police, as a result of ongoing concerns that were raised about the safety of pedestrians in Gloucester city centre.

The bollards were installed at the request of Gloucester City Council, on Northgate Street, Eastgate Street, Westgate Street and Southgate Street, and work has been happening behind the scenes to connect the electricity and test the technology, and the bollards will be fully operational from Monday 2nd March.

A separate project has already seen the installation of a bollard system between Clarence Street and Bruton Way which supports the night-time closure of Eastgate Street.

This closure operates between 10.30pm to 5am on a Friday and Saturday night and provides a safe and traffic free environment for the pedestrians enjoying the city's night time economy.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "By introducing bollards, pedestrians will be able to use the whole width of the streets more safely.

"We’re in touch with local businesses to help them understand how the system will work.”

Cllr Pam Tracey, local member for Hempsted and Westgate, said: "I'm happy for these changes to happen on the 'gates streets' for the safety of pedestrians and local traders."