Penzance Healthy Streets PZ traffic reduction scheme

Developed last year by a partnership which includes Penzance Council, Penzance BID, Sustainable Penzance and Cornwall Council, the aim of the Healthy Streets PZ scheme is to reduce traffic and pollution levels in the town centre and create a better environment for all, allowing space for people to move around safely and comfortably. 

It is also part of the wider ambition to promote sustainable transport and tackle climate change, and make Penzance a thriving place for the future.

The first phase, introduced at the beginning of September 2020, focused on creating a cycle and pedestrian friendly area in the town centre.

Plans have now been developed for the second phase of the scheme which involves providing additional pedestrian crossings on Western Promenade Road and extending the 20mph speed limit.

The specific proposals are to:

• Introduce a 20mph speed limit in Penzance town centre and the residential areas up to and including Alexandra Road;

• Modify road signage to direct more traffic to the town centre car parks, and through traffic to use the A30;

• Modify Western Promenade Road to provide enhanced crossing facilities and to change the environment to encourage traffic to avoid the town centre when travelling across Penzance;

The proposals for Penzance

• Formalise the parking on Alexandra Road to maximise parking availability while maintaining a good flow of traffic associated with the directional signage changes to Penzance which will see an increased use of Alexandra Road; and

Following the introduction of the first phase of the scheme, the project team are looking to build on this work and deliver the next phase. They want to hear the views of local residents and businesses on the draft proposals and are encouraging everyone to look at the designs and make sure they have their say.

This second phase of the scheme will be part funded through a share of the money awarded to Cornwall Council from the Government’s Active Travel Fund, with the remainder of the funding being sought from the Town Deal.

As a result of Cornwall Council’s decision to allocate funding to Penzance, work can now go ahead on improving safe walking and cycling routes in the town. The proposals have been developed by all the partners working together over the past few weeks and the team want to hear what local people think.

Formal statutory consultation on the proposals began on Thursday, February 25 and will run until Thursday, 25 March 25, 2021: