CALLS have been made for bollards on Henley Street to be reinstated after a car drove down the one-way road into oncoming traffic.
The road has ‘no entry’ signs from Bridge Street, but the other entrance is meant to be blocked by bollards between 11am and 6pm.
Since Warwickshire County Council took over on-street parking from Stratford District Council last year they have been out of use.
Wheelchair-user Elizabeth Dixon was in town with friends and they sat outside a cafe on the street for lunch.
But they were shocked to see a car ignoring the one way signs at the top of the narrow road and driving into the path of an Audi, which also should not have been using the busy street often packed with visitors heading for Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
The retired police officer, who is involved with drawing up the town’s Neighbourhood Plan, told the Observer: “As a local I see vehicles moving up and down the pedestrian area all the time without the bollards.
“In fact at times it is like a normal road with the vehicles only being slowed down by pedestrians. Having the cars on the street at the same time is intimidating.
“Never before have I seen a vehicle come up Henley Street from Bridge Street, through one way signs. It’s quite difficult past the signs and the angle of the junction,
“The female driver was stopped by pedestrians and then an Audi came along, meaning she had to do a 99-point turn to leave. It has been an accident that thankfully hasn’t happened but it was scary. We need our bollards back.”
But Warwickshire County Council say even if the bollards are down motorists should not use the street during restricted times.
A spokeswoman said: “The bollards in Henley Street are there to simply reinforce the existing traffic orders that apply during the times of operation of the pedestrian zone. Motorists contravening these orders, even if the bollards are down, can be liable to police prosecution.
“We are in the final stages of agreeing a service level agreement with Stratford District Council and hope to get the bollards back into use as soon as possible.”
