Published on Friday 07 August 2020
BCP Council will keep East Overcliff Drive open to through traffic in support of Bournemouth’s hoteliers.
This week (5 August) council officers met with hoteliers in the town to discuss draft proposals to implement a COVID-19 related experimental traffic regulation order at East Overcliff Drive. Following the pre-consultation with the hotel representatives a decision has been made to not progress with the scheme.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder responsible for Transport, said; "We have listened carefully to the concerns raised by the hoteliers on East Overcliff Drive and are sympathetic to their position. We understand the hotel trade in this area rely on pass-by traffic and we need to give these businesses the best possible chance to come through the COVID-19 recovery. Now is simply not the time to be putting changes in that could hinder their chance of recovery."
Last month (July) as part of the government funded initiative the council announced potential proposals to temporarily close East Overcliff Drive to through traffic as part of the government’s emergency active travel programme. The proposals included the road being temporarily closed to through traffic to make more space for those cycling and walking, and as an alternative route to the promenade for those travelling by bike. The draft plans did not include the pedestrianisation of the area and access to properties and hotels by car, coach and bus would have remained in place.