Major investment in measures to keep pedestrians safe
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Pontefract town centre will be the first to benefit from a district-wide programme of work to help pedestrianised areas in towns and the city remain safe.
“We want everyone using pedestrianised areas in our city and town centres to feel safe.
“Having new, reliable electronic bollards is an important part of managing these areas and making sure drivers follow the restrictions that are in place. That’s important for everyone’s safety.
“Our district-wide replacement scheme will install modern bollards to improve our town and city centre management. Pontefract will be the first place that will see an upgrade, followed by Castleford, Normanton, Ossett and Wakefield.”
Cllr Matthew Morley
Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways
Bollards provide a physical barrier to support the legal restrictions already in place to stop vehicles accessing pedestrianised areas. Permit holders and emergency vehicles are able to access at any time.
The existing restrictions on designated pedestrian zones mean it’s an offence to drive on them, unless authorised.
Cllr Morley added: “We’re working hard to get the bollard replacements rolled out quickly. In the meantime, people still need to follow the restrictions, which are there to protect pedestrians”.
During the work, a temporary tarmac covering may be applied around the new bollards. This will shortly be replaced with blocks or other materials to match existing surfaces.
This project is just one of a series of over 120 highways projects the Council will be delivering over the next 12 months to improve the district’s roads and pavements.