ANOTHER study will be carried out to decide whether to look at banning traffic from Colchester High Street.

Colchester Council’s policy and public initiatives panel will be asked to recommend commissioning a study looking at the options for reducing traffic in the town centre.

It comes 18 months after the panel requested a review of pedestrianisation.

At the time it was suggested there were a number of options as to what form pedestrianisation could take.

There could be a complete ban or a shared space approach where other vehicles would still be able to access the town centre but pedestrians have priority.

Another option is restrictions would only be effective on parts of the High Street and on certain days and times.

The idea for pedestrianisation has been a subject of discussion for at least 35 years.

Initial work by the council has found there are a number of initiatives already underway, which the project would have to work alongside.

This includes a transport strategy for Colchester led by Essex County Council, the rapid transport system for the new garden towns and the town deal which could see the borough awarded up to £25 million to rejuvenate the town centre.

Work is also underway to prioritise walking and cycling in the town.

The rapid transit routes, for which a consultation ended last month, all use the High Street as part of their journey.

But the council said these projects did not mean the review of pedestrianisation was off the table.

A report set to go before the panel next week said: “Consultation and engagement will form a vital part of the strategy and vision for Colchester town which includes the High Street.

“Alongside these engagement exercises, it is suggested that officers commission a study looking at the options for reducing traffic in the High Street.”

“The findings of this will help inform the final strategy and may also be useful in relation to the town investment plan.”

The report does not elaborate on the traffic reduction measures.

In March 2013, an experimental pedestrianisation scheme was put in place, banning traffic between 11am and 6pm, although buses, taxis, motorbikes and pedal bikes were allowed access.

This was suspended a month later due to public concerns and reviewed again in October 2013.