Extension of pedestrianisation hours for Newbury Town Centre from 10am-5pm to 10am-11pm trial (Ref: 009194HH)

Activity closed.

Background

An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) is a legal document that must be made by the local authority under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to regulate or restrict the use of the public highway either permanently, experimentally or temporarily. The most common restrictions are:

• closing the road
• speed restrictions
• weight/width/height restrictions
• prohibiting certain movements
• restricting parking in some way

What is the effect of the ETRO?

To make an Experimental order under Sections 9 and 10 and Part IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

The effect of the Order will be to extend the hours of the Pedestrian and Cycle Zone in Newbury town centre from 10am-5pm to 10am-11pm.

The extension to the hours of the Pedestrian and Cycle Zone will reduce conflict between motorised and non-motorised traffic between the hours of 5pm and 11pm. This will provide a safer traffic-free environment for users of the town centre in the late afternoon and evening periods and will encourage sustainable travel, particularly active travel. It will provide safer and more pleasant outdoor space for customers of local hospitality businesses and allow outdoor community events to take place more easily, which in turn will create a more attractive visitor experience for the town centre and help support the local economy.

The roads affected are:

Bartholomew Street - excluding that length of the carriageway leading from the junction with Market Street to the entrance to the multi-storey car park). Between its junction with Market Street and its junction with Mansion House Street, a distance of approximately 245 metres.

Bridge Street - between its junction with Bartholomew Street and its junction with Northbrook Street, a distance of approximately 38 metres.

Mansion House Street - between its junction with Bartholomew Street and its junction with Market Place, a distance of approximately 48 metres.

Market Place - between its junction with Wharf Street and its junction with Mansion House Street, a distance of approximately 32 metres. Between its junction with Mansion House Street and its junction with Cheap Street, a distance of approximately 100 metres.

Northbrook Street - between its junction with Bridge Street and its junction with West Street, a distance of approximately 270 metres.

Wharf Street - between its junction with Market Place and a point approximately 69 metres east of that junction.

You can view/download the relevant documents from the links below:

• Experimental Traffic Regulation Order [180KB]
• Notice of Making, including Statement of Reasons [555KB]
• map of the affected area [320KB]

You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the scheme here. For any questions that you feel have not been answered, please email the Economic Development Team. Please quote Ref: 009194HH on any correspondence.

Why we want your views

To help us decide whether or not to make the changes permanent, we're inviting you to express your support, record a neutral position or lodge an objection to the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order on Bartholomew Street (north), Bridge Street, Northbrook Street, Mansion House Street, Wharf Street, and Market Place in Newbury.

How to take part

Copies of the draft Order, partially revoked order, explanatory statement and map were available to be inspected during the hours of 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, at main reception on the ground floor of West Berkshire Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5LD.

If you need more information or clarification about the scheme before you answer the survey, please read the answers to the Frequently Asked Questions. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please email economicdevelopment@westberks.gov.uk   

Our survey closed at midnight on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. Comments could also be submitted by email and in writing.

All responses had to be received by midnight on the closing date to be considered as part of the consultation.

Any personal information you choose to provide will be kept confidential and used in accordance with our privacy notice.

What happens next

West Berkshire Council is proposing to end the extended pedestrianisation pilot in Newbury town centre and revert to the previous 10am to 5pm arrangements, following a review of public feedback and the available data.
 
A report published on 13 May and set to be considered by the Executive on 21 May, confirms that while many people welcomed the safer and more pleasant pedestrian environment, some practical impacts on residents and businesses were raised. This included access for deliveries, taxis and blue badge holders. Having listened to the feedback, the trial will conclude in September 2026 with a return to pedestrianisation between 10am and 5pm.
 
The Council remains committed to the long-term ambition of a vibrant, accessible and welcoming town centre that works for everyone. These shared aspirations will be reflected in a refresh of the Newbury Town Centre Masterplan, supported by a programme of public engagement. The refresh will build on the ambition developed with residents, businesses and partners in recent years to create a town centre that is more walkable, welcoming and economically resilient - and one that supports local businesses, cultural life and accessibility while responding to how people actually use the town centre day-to-day and in the evening.
 
As part of this approach, the Council will draw together the learning from the extended pedestrianisation trial, alongside transport, economic and accessibility evidence, to inform a single, coherent plan for the town centre's future. Any decisions about permanent pedestrianisation arrangements will be considered in that wider context, rather than in isolation.
 
These proposals are set to be considered by the Executive on 21 May and subject to their approval. The meeting is open to the public to attend in person or to watch live on the Council's YouTube channel.