Hay Hill in Norwich was intended to be pedestrianised in the 1970s, but due to a legal loophole, it has remained open to motor vehicles for the past four decades. Despite being converted into a pedestrian area, the necessary paperwork to block traffic from using it was never completed, allowing cars to legally drive through the square. This anomaly was recently discovered during a multimillion pound makeover of the Hay Hill area, prompting council officials to work towards closing the loophole. Measures such as improved seating, better-designed steps, and a fountain have been implemented as part of a regeneration project, with new bollards also installed to block vehicle access.
Norwich City Council, who owns Hay Hill, has initiated a legal process to formalise the ban on cars using the square. A hearing is scheduled for December 4th at Norwich Magistrates’ Court to update the laws governing the use of the street and close the loophole that has allowed vehicles to pass through. While motorists might have been able to drive around the square before the ban was put in place, they would have had to break traffic regulations on other routes leading to Hay Hill in order to access it. The recent installation of bollards at the square is unrelated to the legal process and was done as part of the overall revamp scheme to enhance public safety.
Despite its legal status as a pedestrian area for the past four decades, Hay Hill has continued to be frequented by thousands of pedestrians each day, many of whom carry heavy shopping bags while passing through the busy thoroughfare. The square is home to various amenities and features, including a statue of Sir Thomas Brown, which has been a prominent fixture in the area for over a century. The recent regeneration project aimed to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of Hay Hill, providing a more pleasant environment for pedestrians to enjoy.
The discovery of the legal loophole regarding vehicle access to Hay Hill has raised concerns about public safety and the integrity of pedestrian areas in Norwich. The council’s efforts to close the loophole and formalise the ban on cars using the square demonstrate their commitment to upholding pedestrian rights and ensuring the safety of those walking in the area. Moving forward, the legal process to update the laws governing the use of Hay Hill will help to clarify its status as a pedestrian-only area, providing clarity for both residents and motorists. As authorities work towards resolving this issue, pedestrians can continue to enjoy the revamped square and its amenities without the concern of sharing the space with vehicles.
