People-friendly streets: Efforts to manage traffic volumes and improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure were implemented to achieve modal shift within the city. The cycling infrastructure was in part a response to the COVID pandemic. 1 The aim of Wiltshire Council was to make the central area a better place for people to move around safely, comfortably and in a more pleasant environment with reduced noise and air pollution and reduced greenhouse gas emissions; prioritising cycling, walking and public transport. Part of the project was to ensure that drivers were directed to the main car parks instead of driving through and around the city centre. This project was part of a long term strategy to improve the environment of the city centre for everyone including those walking and cycling in the city as well as for the long term sustainability of the traders in the city. The other long term projects were the station improvements and Fisherton Street project all of which were important in managing traffic flow and volume within the city.
Current status May 2025: People friendly streets was implemented to assist in the management of the high volume of traffic in the city centre and redirecting vehicles to the periphery carparks. The cycling infrastructure was implemented within the same time frame as People Friendly Streets and the changes were not viewed as popular on social media or in the press. Therefore, Wiltshire council failed to ensure that the project continued and the infrastructure was removed. 2 Unfortunately with the removal of “People Friendly Streets” the city centre no longer has a strategy to control through traffic and unfortunately the city is often gridlocked with an excessive number of vehicles using our small narrow streets which impacts on the safety of all pedestrians and road users and adds to pollution. An example of this is the 11,000 vehicles using Fisherton St on a daily basis (Wiltshire Council figures).
Advantages: for the brief period in which it was in place “People Friendly Streets” provided an improved and safer environment for all users. There was less vehicle congestion, increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists and improved access for buses and with disabled badge holder. There would have been decreased pollution and noise association with drop in congestion. This project provided extensive benefits for active travel and the future economic income for the city.
Disadvantages: the implementation of People Friendly Streets led to opposition from what was a minority of online social and press responses which resulted in PFS being seen in a negative way. As a consequence of the short term negative opposition Wiltshire Council removed the infrastructure of the project. It could have been considered that with the project having been implemented following COVID, economic financial worries and the impending council elections that “People Friendly Streets” was target for political gains.
Recommendations: a project plan is required to increase the rates of walking, cycling, public transport and park and ride within the city which is measurable time bound and realistic for implementation within 1-5 years. The refresh of the Salisbury Transportation Plan that is currently taking place by Wiltshire Council will be delivered late 2026 and it is envisaged that this will be the starting point for changes within the city.
1. Salisbury Central Area Framework. Wiltshire Council https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/salisbury-future.
2. People Friendly Streets Salisbury is suspended indefinitely. Wiltshire Council https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/salisbury-people-friendly-streets (2020).