Temporary parking ban implemented at Market Hill in Sudbury to ensure social distancing as coronavirus lockdown starts to ease

A temporary parking ban has been introduced in Sudbury to ensure the safety of the public as lockdown measures, which were imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, are gradually lifted.

As part of the move, motorists will no longer be able to use designated parking bays on Market Hill, while the area is pedestrianised to provide shoppers with further space to practice social distancing in the town.

A series of safety measures, which have already been put in place in the the high street, include floor markings outlining the two-metre social distancing guideline; one-way queues into stores, alongside a range of signs promoting the rules.

Town centre manager, Rachel Price, said: “Protecting our community and supporting our local businesses by marking out and creating more space to allow social distancing is a top priority.”

The new measures will be constantly monitored to ensure they prove effective in the town.

“Through the application and testing of these temporary measures, we not only seek to reassure, but, we also strive to create pleasant, relaxed spaces that everyone can enjoy,” said Ms Price.

“This really is the time to make pedestrians our priority and test bold moves quickly.”

Non-essential businesses are set to reopen nationwide next week.

The parking ban on market Hill is expected to remain in place until September.