Restricted vehicle access is to be introduced in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings in Boswell Park and Arthur Street in Ayr

Members of the Economic and Tourism Development Convener and Vice Convener's Sub-Committee considered a report from Officers about vehicle access restrictions that were requested by Strathclyde Police. The changes were to address the traffic and pedestrian conflict currently experienced during the closing times of neighbouring nightclubs. After considering the report members of the Committee decided to approve the introduction of the changes.

Councillor Margaret Toner, Convener of the Economic and Tourism Development Committee said: "These changes should make it easier for taxis to uplift people when they are leaving clubs.

"More importantly it will mean that Police Officers patrolling the area, or dealing with incidents in the area, will have a clear passage in and out of Boswell Park and Arthur Street."

The restrictions will be operational between midnight and 0400 hours on Saturday and Sunday mornings, on the section of Boswell Park between its junctions with Douglas Street and Carrick Street, and also the entire length of Arthur Street.

The changes are intended to alleviate conflict between traffic and pedestrians, and enhance road safety for pedestrians and motorists.

The existing signs and road markings will require to be changed, to inform members of the public of the access restrictions, and the funding for these changes will be met by Strathclyde Police.

A full statutory and public consultation has already been carried out, and there have been no maintained objections to the proposals.

The Council will now make an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, namely "South Ayrshire Council (Boswell Park and Arthur Street, Ayr) (Restricted Access) Order 2006" for the introduction of restricted vehicle access in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings.

February 2006