Mansfield's District Council has relaxed its 24-hour ban on cycling in the town centre, which it said was introduced ‘to tackle anti-social cycling at busy times’.
Cllr Bill Drewett, portfolio holder for safer communities, took a delegated decision to amend the town’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which will mean cyclists will be able to use their bikes in the pedestrianised areas of the town centre between 6pm and 10am, seven days a week.
He said: ‘I carefully considered if the cycling ban in the town centre continued to be justified and proportionate and decided that it does need to apply seven days a week but could be relaxed in the evenings, at night and in the early morning.
‘The justification for keeping the town centre free from all traffic - including cyclists - remains unchanged. We want to reduce crime and disorder, protect the environment and we think these measures are conducive to encouraging regeneration and employment.’
Cllr Drewett took the decision following an eight-week public consultation at the end of last year. He also considered the effectiveness of the PSPO wording, information and road signs.
This article first appeared on Transport-Network