New 20mph zone comes into force in Old Town

IMPROVING SAFETY: The new 20mph zone in Hull’s Old Town

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

A new 20mph zone has come into force in Hull’s Old Town area as part of a safety improvement scheme for Lowgate being delivered by Hull City Council.

The new 20mph zone came into force on Monday and aims to reduce the risk of accidents for road users near Hull College and the retail and entertainment venues located between George Street and the A63 at Castle Street.

The zone also covers Savile Street, Vernon Street, Queens Dock Avenue, Princes Dock Street, Guildhall Road, Alfred Gelder Street and the side streets off Lowgate that border the River Hull, which are home to a number of businesses forming part of the night-time economy.

Following engagement with the public, which received support for the proposals from residents and local businesses earlier this year, the council gave the scheme the green light earlier in the summer and has now completed a traffic regulation order (TRO) to implement the speed limit change and erected the necessary signage.

Implementation of 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 planned works 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 signal crossing facility at Silver Street / Scale Lane;

• Widening the footpath at locations on Market Place and Lowgate;

• An additional pedestrian crossing on Market Place next to to North Church Side.

The council said 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 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 late summer 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 early next year.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, council portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “The council takes its responsibilities very seriously when it comes to the important issue of road safety and is determined to improve the city’s infrastructure to create safe and welcoming neighbourhoods, as well as making the city healthier, fairer and more environmentally friendly. 

“The implementation of the 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.”