Newbury town centre pedestrian extension trial scheme to go ahead

It’s happening. Newbury town centre will get pedestrianised.

That’s despite 58.5 per cent of those responding to a council survey about it saying they didn’t want it.

Overall, 36.7 per cent of those that answered supported the proposed trial extension to the pedestrianised hours in the town centre.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has approved West Berkshire Council’s application for the trial.

This follows a pre-trial consultation between September and November 2024, where residents, businesses, and visitors shared their rather mixed views on the proposal.

Starting on May 19, 2025, Newbury’s pedestrianisation hours along Northbrook Street, Bridge Street, Bartholomew Street (north), Mansion House Street, Wharf Street, and Market Place will be extended until later in the evening, as a trial under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).

The pedestrianisation hours will run from 10am to 11pm; it is currently 10am – 5pm.

The council’s press release does not mention the ‘those against’ stat, preferring to say “while there was a mixed response, and a good level of support, to the proposal, we believe that this now presents a valuable opportunity for the public to engage and share their views whilst a trial is carried out”.

“For the first six months of the trial, we will run a formal consultation gathering feedback to assess the impact,” it adds. “The trial will then remain in place until a decision is made as to whether it is made permanent.”

The council maintains that pedestrianising the town centre will aim to boost the local economy, enhance the environment - a cleaner, quieter town centre with more outdoor dining and event opportunities.

And it claims it will improve safety, saying fewer vehicle interactions make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill), executive member for the environment and highways at West Berkshire Council, said: "We are pleased to have secured Department for Transport approval to trial this important initiative for Newbury.

“Extending pedestrianisation has the potential to create a safer, greener, more vibrant town centre while supporting local businesses and promoting sustainability.

“This trial allows us to test the benefits, listen to residents and businesses, and shape the future of our town centre together."