A programme that closed three major Liverpool streets to cars to maintain social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic is to continue despite having cost Liverpool Council around £1m in revenue.
As the need for restrictions became more apparent as Covid-19 spread in June 2020, the Liverpool Without Walls (LWW) scheme was introduced to allow businesses to offer al fresco seating and dining options. As a result, locations including Bold Street, Castle Street, Roscoe Street and Lark Lane were effectively pedestrianised in some parts to provide this service.
The scheme, which supported jobs in the hospitality sector, was implemented through temporary traffic regulation orders (TTRO) and according to a report to be debated by Liverpool Council’s cabinet next Friday, businesses are keen for the closures to remain in place. As a result, it is recommended the local authority’s executive implement longer term experimental traffic regulation orders (ETRO) with a view to the permanent adoption of pedestrianisation in these areas.
