A TRAFFIC survey which could accelerate ambitions to make Petersfield town centre more pedestrian and cycle friendly is due to start at the end of next month.
The Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan (PNP) includes the concepts of fewer cars travelling more slowly through the town, illegal and inconsiderate parking eliminated, encouraging a cafe society atmosphere, and attracting greater footfall.
The £24,000 survey of the town centre by Hampshire Traded Services, an off-shoot organisation of Hampshire County Council, should be completed by the end of the summer. It has been commissioned by the Petersfield Town Development Committee on behalf of Petersfield Town Council, who is footing the bill.
Although no decisions can be taken until after the survey has been studied, there are expectations it will signpost how the PNP ambitions can be achieved.
Town council spokesman Steve Field said: “The intention is to realise the PNP ambitions, but until the traffic survey is completed it won’t be clear what is possible.”
The survey will define traffic movement, and related issues, throughout the town. Proposals can then be put forward to help realise the goal of a ‘shared space’ from the railway station to the War Memorial.
The shared space vision would see cars, bikes and pedestrians mingling safely, with cyclists and walkers given priority.
It is hoped this will create lively and vibrant streets, busy with shoppers and tourists, and interspersed with outdoor eating areas, especially in The Square.