Purpose

These proposals form part of the Active Travel Improvements to Cheapside/Market Place, Orchard Street and Friargate South, delivered under Preston City Council’s Levelling Up Fund ‘Active Preston’ Programme, funded by Central Government. The scheme includes the introduction of shared surface areas, a contraflow cycle route, minor amendments to the existing restricted traffic flow, and adjustments to loading provision along the corridor.

The works will complement and integrate with the recently completed Friargate North improvements (north of Ringway), delivered through the Transforming Cities Fund by Lancashire County Council.

The proposals consist of the following: Amendments to Existing Pedestrian Zone and One-Way Restrictions A new Moving Traffic Order is proposed to include the following:

• Introduction of a Pedestrian and Cycle Zone along Friargate (from Cheapside to Orchard Street), Orchard Street, Lowthian Street and a section of Market Street with a Prohibition of Driving except cycles and permitting access for Goods Vehicles for loading only between 4pm–midnight, and midnight–11am to replace the current Pedestrian Zone 9am-6.30pm.

• Introduction of a Prohibition of Driving except Cycles on Friargate from Orchard Street.

• Introduction of one-way traffic (except for pedal cycles) on Friargate, Orchard Street and part of Cheapside to support two-way cycle movements and link with the existing LCN25 cycle route adjacent to the Flag Market in front of Turtle Bay.

• Removal of the existing historic “Prohibited Access – All Vehicles except Permit Holders 9am–6.30pm” restriction which is no longer required.

Consultations
Formal consultation was carried out between 24th July 2026 and 21st August 2026 which included advertising in the local press and notices being displayed on site. Divisional county councillors were consulted along with the council's usual consultees and the consultation documents posted on the council's website.

Following formal consultation No Objections were received.

 

Decision

Peter Bell, Highway Regulation Manager has taken a decision to approve the Lancashire County Council (Friargate Area, Preston, Preston City) (Revocation, Prohibition Of Driving And One Way Traffic) Order 202* Legal Reference: LSG4/102490/AFR