A campaigner’s survey hosted by the Petersfield Pulse Facebook page has shown nearly 60 per cent of those who took part back pedestrianising Petersfield High Street.
This would prioritise access for people on foot, cycling and those with less mobility.
Survey organiser and environmental campaigner Paul Turner said: “It supports a previous online survey that saw 73 per cent – some 690 people – support pedestrianisation.”
Now the campaigners are appealing to Petersfield Town Council, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council to ‘boldly’ address the issue.
Paul said: “What if the decision makers were as bold and radical as the general public?
“The survey also revealed a high use of active travel (cycling and walking) to access the high street, something pedestrianisation would make easier and more pleasant.
“There were concerns that pedestrianisation would damage local businesses but research suggests it increases footfall and turnover by between 20 and 80 per cent.
“Similarly people with disabilities would have easier access, with the possibility of more designated parking and greater space.”
And a recent community Zoom meeting saw hundreds of residents explore the idea of Petersfield becoming a 20-minute neighbourhood.
Paul added: “It is an idea that prioritises active travel so people can walk or cycle within 20 minutes to access the majority of what they need including school, recreation and work.
“There’s a growing appetite to tackle Petersfield’s dangerous roads and poor air quality by creating a far healthier and happier place to live.”
Active travel lobby group Sustrans South East director James Cleeton said: “With all the evidence showing the positive impacts closing streets to cars can have for local retailers, we should support local authorities to be bold and make these changes.”
See this week’s letters page (Page 11) for more views. To take part in the Post’s debate, email your letters to us at [email protected]