Car Ban Trial For Colchester High Street

It has been proposed that a trial ban on cars in Colchester’s High Street will start on 5th November, prohibiting all vehicles apart from buses, taxis and bikes from using the High Street during the day.  The aim of the ban is to improve the environment for shoppers and the reliability of public transport as well as supporting future transport plans such as Park and Ride Facilities.

The ban will be monitored for a year, using an experimental order, which means that changes can be made in reaction to any issues that arise following the introduction of the ban.  If deemed successful, plans will be made to make the ban permanent.

However,  the ban seems to have been met with some opposition, as it may stop businesses from being able to receive deliveries as well as causing a loss of disabled parking, although exactly whether this will be the case is still being decided between Essex County Council and Colchester Council.

The latest update from Colchester Borough Council (at the time of writing) on the Traffic Regulation Order for Colchester High Street can be found here.

As I can remember when changes were made like this in the mid to late 1990s, where a few attempts were made to improve traffic problems including a period where the High Street was fully pedestrianised, this news has prompted me to take a look back at how the High Street has changed over the years.

If you have any photos of the High Street over the years we would love to see them and publish them here.  Please email them to info@yourcolchester.co.uk.

1891


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.

St Nicholas Church 1891


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.

1891



Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith. 


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.

1892


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.  

1891


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.

1892

Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.  


Cups Hotel & Corn Exchange 1892


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.

1902

Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.

1904


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.

1934


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.


1955



Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.

1955


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.

Red Lion Hotel C1960


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.


c1960


Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith. 

1960

Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.