Driving on Stone High Street? Here’s what the Town Council says

Stone Town Council has issued fresh guidance to clear up confusion about when vehicles are allowed on the High Street. With enforcement on the rise and local views split, here’s what drivers need to know.

Very limited exceptions apply

Stone High Street is a pedestrian zone. Vehicles are not permitted between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm, seven days a week. This applies to all road users, including blue badge holders and takeaway drivers.

However, under Article 2 of the Staffordshire County Council (High Street and Mill Street, Stone) (Prohibition of Vehicles) Order 2024, a few very specific exceptions are allowed, including:

• Emergency services
• Utility companies or contractors carrying out road or infrastructure works
• Local authority and statutory services (e.g. flood defence, sewerage)
• Access to premises between 4:30 pm and 10:00 am

You can read the full traffic order here:  View the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO)

What does “access” actually mean?

Stone Town Council clarifies that outside the restricted hours (4:30 pm to 10:00 am), vehicles may only enter the High Street if:

• They are delivering goods too large or heavy to carry by hand
• They are accessing premises that cannot be reached by another route
• Drivers must leave as soon as their delivery or access is complete.
• Using the High Street as a shortcut or to simply drop someone off is not allowed.
• Nor is parking or waiting at any time of day.

You can read the full guidance from Stone Town Council here: stonetowncouncil.gov.uk/stone-high-street-parking-and-driving

Enforcement is increasing

Stone Town Council has confirmed that a campaign of enforcement is now underway and will ramp up in the coming months. The aim is to prevent near misses and keep the pedestrian zone safe for families, school children and shoppers.

The council said: “We must take steps to avoid a serious accident, perhaps even involving a child.”

Anyone found breaching the rules risks being fined or prosecuted.

A split in local opinion

Not everyone agrees on the impact of these restrictions.

For many, the pedestrianisation of the High Street has made the town safer and more welcoming. The lack of traffic makes it easier to shop, socialise and attend events without worry. Some say it’s part of what gives Stone its charm.

But others feel differently. A growing number of residents and business owners believe the restrictions, despite easily accessible nearby parking, have hurt local footfall. They argue that casual shoppers may choose to go elsewhere rather than figure out where to park and pay.

There’s also frustration about cyclists riding through the pedestrian zone. Although Cyclists Dismount signs are in place, many riders ignore them, weaving through pedestrians at speed. Some have called for enforcement against bikes to be treated with the same urgency as vehicles.

What now?

Whether you’re popping into town for a coffee or making a delivery, knowing the rules can help avoid a fine, or worse, an accident.

Stone High Street is, for most of the day, a pedestrian space. And thanks to a combination of local guidance and legal backing, the line is clearer than ever.