This is why Lune Street, Winckley Street, Cannon Street and Fox Street will be closed in Preston today

The closure of city centre side roads at their junctions with Fishergate came into force ahead of the reopening of non-essential shops this morning (Monday, June 15).

The plans are part of a package of measures to help ensure that social distancing is maintained, as more people start to return to the city’s streets.

Lune Street, Winckley Street, Cannon Street and Fox Street will be shut to vehicles where they meet Fishergate in order to create more room for pedestrians at what could otherwise become 'pinch-points'.

Diversions were put in place on Sunday afternoon, along with advance notice for drivers on the approach to the closures.

Motorists travelling across Preston during trading hours are encouraged to avoid using Fishergate as a through-route and instead use alternatives such as Ring Way.

He said: "The temporary road closures are needed to reduce the number of vehicles on Fishergate to help others maintain social distancing.

"These temporary measures are part of our emergency response to help Lancashire control and recover from the coronavirus and we will keep them under review."

A new cycle lane also appeared on Penwortham Hill on Friday, from the junction with Cop Lane to the point where it meets the cycle lane in Liverpool Road.

Others have recently been introduced in Winckley Square and part of Fylde Road, as people are encouraged to cycle and walk wherever possible – and avoid public transport unless it is absolutely necessary.

Elsewhere, some on-street parking in St. Wilfred Street and Charnley Street will be suspended to give more room for vehicles to manoeuvre due to the closure of the Fox Street at its junction with Fishergate.

Some minor changes to bus stops on Fishergate will also be made and indicated by signage at the relevant stops.