City Centre Vehicle Access

Chester's pedestrianisation scheme has been in operation since 1995, and has helped to make the City centre a better and friendlier place for pedestrians, residents and visitors by reducing traffic and the associated danger, noise and fumes.

Most vehicles are prohibited from the central shopping streets between 8.00am and 6.00pm. However, loading/unloading is allowed before 10.30am and after 4.30pm.

The main pedestrianised area is controlled by a barrier situated outside the Town Hall in Northgate Street. The barrier is manned by a City centre assistant from 8.00am to 6.00pm.

The regulations governing access and restrictions in the pedestrianised area are set out in Traffic Regulation Orders. These Orders are made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Traffic Management Act 2004.

If you wish to view the Orders or request a copy, please contact the Parking Services Office.

Permits

Within the scheme, it is recognised that it will be necessary for some vehicles to gain access during the restricted period.

Temporary permits are issued on the day by the City Centre Assistant  at the barrier for the following:

• Official cars for weddings and funerals at the Cathedral and the churches and chapels in the restricted streets.
• Residential guests of the two hotels in the area
• Essential vehicles for emergency repairs

In addition, annual access permits are issued by the Parking Services Office to owners or residents of properties and businesses which have private parking places off the restricted streets.  Annual permits are also issued to security companies who collect/deliver to the banks and building societies.

Disabled badge holders (Blue badge scheme)

Disabled badge holders are allowed to park in designated areas within the central shopping streets at any time. No parking is allowed between 10.30am and 4.30pm in Bridge Street, Watergate Street, Frodsham Street and part of Foregate Street.

All vehicles requiring access into the pedestrianised area during the restricted hours must display a valid permit or Blue badge.

Taxis

In terms of the scheme, taxis mean black hackney carriages and not the private hire vehicles which are restricted in the same way as private cars. Taxis are allowed in Frodsham Street and Foregate Street to gain access to the taxi rank. Apart from certain limited exceptions, taxis are not allowed in some of the other central shopping streets between 8.00am and 6.00pm.

Access or use of the Town Hall Square

Parking Services will consider all requests for access to the Town Hall Square, subject to the following guidelines/considerations :

• Civic and ceremonial events will be looked upon favourable.
• Charitable static displays.
• Requests from the armed forces and commercial vehicles will be determined on their merits.
• Amplified music is normally prohibited from being played outside the Town Hall.
• Events permitted subject to events/meetings taking place in the Town hall.

For further information, please contact the Parking Services Office :

Chester City Council
Parking Services
PO Box 1442
Chester
CH1 2WY

Telephone: 01244 402633
Email: carparks@chester.gov.uk.