Old Town to become 20mph zone to improve safety

CHANGE: The new 20mph zone

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Hull’s historic Old Town is set to become a 20mph zone to reduce the risk of accidents and improve safety for users of Hull College and retail and entertainment venues in the area.

Work on implementing the new speed restriction, which will encompass most of the Old Town, is expected to begin shortly and is due for completion by the end of summer, Hull City Council said today.

Aimed at improving road safety between George Street and the A63 at Castle Street, the zone will also cover Savile Street, Vernon Street, Queens Dock Avenue, Princes Dock Street, Guildhall Road, Alfred Gelder Street and the side streets off Lowgate bordering the River Hull, which are home to a number of businesses forming part of the night-time economy.

Following the approval, outlined in a decision record, the council is in the process of completing the necessary traffic regulation order (TRO) for the speed limit change and erecting the associated signage that will bring the zone into effect.

The new 20mph zone is the first step of a wider improvement scheme for Lowgate, which was designed by Pell Frischmann Consulting Engineers Limited in response to a request from the city’s coroner after a pedestrian fatality.

Other works planned include:

• Widening the footway outside O’Leary’s public house at Lowgate / Scale Lane to reduce the width of the carriageway to make crossing easier and create a lay-by for the taxi rank;

• A new signalised crossing facility at Silver Street / Scale Lane;

• Widening the footpath at various locations on Market Place and Lowgate.

In addition to these preventative measures, consideration is still being given to improvements to pedestrian crossing facilities near Hull College. Proposals will be further developed after Queen’s Gardens has reopened after refurbishment when pedestrian surveys can be carried out.

Due to the need to prioritise works to repair and strengthen Drypool Bridge, the council has decided to undertake the Lowgate works in spring 2026 to reduce disruption and the impact on the highway network. The council will be going out to tender to secure a contractor for these works in December.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at the council, said: “When it comes to road safety, the council takes its responsibilities very seriously and is determined to improve the city’s infrastructure to ensure the safety of pedestrians, motorists and all members of the travelling public.

“The implementation of a new 20mph zone for Hull’s Old Town, including Lowgate, is the first step to improving safety in this area.

“By reducing vehicle speeds, widening the footpaths and providing better crossing facilities, not only are we improving safety, but we are providing an accessible walking environment for everyone in the community. 

“This scheme also aligns with our broader community plan for Hull to create safe and welcoming neighbourhoods as well as making the city healthier, fairer and more environmentally friendly.”