Bradford City Centre Access Policy Updates
Vehicle access to Bradford city centre is changing
This engagement has concluded, thank you to all those who shared feedback.
Have your say: Friday 26 September - Thursday 23 October 2025
Following the recent transformation of Bradford city centre and the expansion of the pedestrian zone, Bradford Council is introducing new vehicle access rules to make the area safer and more welcoming for everyone who lives, works, or visits.
On this page, you’ll find details of the updated policy, including maps of access points, loading bays, and taxi ranks.
The team are currently analysing all the feedback we received, and a summary of the feedback will be made available on this webpage in due course.
Email: info@future-bradford.co.uk
Freephone: 0808 196 9119
Write to: Freepost BFD Highways (no stamp required)
All channels are monitored 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays.
About the Bradford City Centre Access Policy
The city centre access policy is a set of arrangements and regulations for managing vehicle access to the pedestrianised parts of Bradford city centre.
The policy also introduces restrictions on through-traffic, with new gated entry points for vehicles that have a valid reason to be there, such as deliveries, emergency services, or official functions. It balances essential access with safety for those who live in, work in and visit the city centre, making it a pleasant environment for all.
The aims of the access policy are to:
Create a safe and welcoming environment for all that live in, work in and visit the city centre.
Inform residents, businesses and visitors
about the need for clear access arrangements in the expanded pedestrian zone.
Enhance the security of the city centre by introducing and formalising secure access areas to prevent conflict between pedestrians and vehicles.
Provide clear guidance for residents and businesses on how they can effectively facilitate access and deliveries outside of core operating hours.
Ensure the needs of all city centre users are considered by introducing special provisions for those who need it, making sure it continues to work for all.
The operating hours of the pedestrian zone will be from 10:30am to 6pm, and 8pm to 6am, 7 days a week.
Updates to the access policy will come into force later this year, following this period of engagement. This ensures that we can make any necessary amendments to the policy following feedback from residents and businesses.
You can read more about the specific proposals on our proposals page or view our maps.
Have your say on the changes
Click here to take our survey
What’s changing?
Many areas of the city centre have now been pedestrianised as part of the recent transformation works, which were completed in Spring 2025.
This includes Broadway, Bank Street, Market Street and sections of Sunbridge Road, Bridge Street and Hall Ings (between the former Jacobs Well roundabout and Bank Street).
A major new green space was also created at Norfolk Gardens which resulted in the extension of the park and the demolition of the former NCP car park.
Find out more about the transformation of the city centre.
Following the completion of the works, Bradford Council is introducing an updated city centre access policy.
The policy provides clear guidance on vehicle access to the expanded pedestrian zone during the key operating hours of 10:30am to 6pm and 8pm to 6am.
At a glance:
New restrictions and access arrangements for vehicles entering the expanded pedestrian zone.
Secure access points with controlled gates for vehicles entering and exiting the city centre pedestrian zone.
A daily passcode system for residents to manage vehicle access.
Restricted vehicle access during specified hours with the exception of emergency and service vehicles.
Provisions for businesses and events with new policies in place to manage deliveries, events and council services.
Enhanced enforcement with new ANPR cameras, penalties and a tiered suspension system for misuse.
New policies for taxis with designated ranks for hackney carriages.
Above: A map showing the pedestrian zone under the updated access policy. Areas pedestrianised before 2025 are shown in purple, while the areas added in 2025 are shown in red. Together, these zones form an expanded, connected space that prioritises people over traffic.
Changes in detail
The detailed changes outlined in the access policy have been divided into sections below. Click the + sign next to the section header to expand the text box and view the details. You can also view a full set of maps by clicking here.
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We are introducing dedicated access gates at key points surrounding the pedestrian zone. Only vehicles with prior permission will be allowed into the pedestrian zone, and they must use the designated gates.
By controlling the entry and exit of vehicles, we aim to improve safety and security in the city centre. The access gates will be located in the following areas:
Entering the city centre
Bank Street (at the junction with Hall Ings)
Nelson Street (at the junction with Channing Way). This access point is for the City Hall and Magistrates Court only, with the exception of emergency and essential vehicles.
Kirkgate (two gates: located at both ends of the street at the Piccadilly and Ivegate junctions)
Ivegate (at the junction with Kirkgate)
Exiting the city centre
Market Street (at the junction with Cheapside)
Sunbridge Road (at the junction with Tyrell Street)
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A passcode system will be introduced for residents in the pedestrian zone. The passcode will enable entry and exit and allow vehicles to access for deliveries and pre-booked taxi pick-up or drop-off.
The code will be changed daily to keep the zone safe while still allowing essential access. The new passcode will be shared each day through channels such as email, text message, and displayed in certain buildings on screens where possible.
Residents can apply to receive the passcodes by providing a proof of residence. Applications will be managed by Bradford Council’s Network Resilience team.
The code can only be used for one vehicle to enter or exit at a time.
Parking on-street or on the pavement will not be permitted in order to maintain safety for other city centre users.
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Businesses will continue to request access to the city centre pedestrian zone via the online portal.
Applications for business access into the zone will be processed as soon as possible after submission, no later than 24 hours after application.
Access will only be allowed within the operational hours of the pedestrian zone for the following reasons:
Cash in Transit vehicles that are on random routing and cannot give a timed schedule.
Post Office vehicles.
Pre-booked property fitting out/maintenance.
Pre-booked access for entertainers’ vehicles at assigned layover points.
Goods deliveries should be arranged for outside of the times of operation.
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Pre-booked access will be available for vehicles carrying equipment or staging into the extended pedestrian zone during operating hours.
Two designated overnight layover zones will be provided at:
Ivegate cul-de-sac
Hustlergate cul-de-sac
Vehicles must be supported by a traffic marshall when reversing in, and must exit by 10am the next day.
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Waste management
Refuse vehicles can continue accessing the zone as they do currently. They will also be exempt from the 7.5 tonne weight limit.
Bradford Council has consulted with refuse services throughout the development of the access policy to ensure waste collections are not disrupted.
Emergency services
All emergency service vehicles, including police, ambulance and fire services will maintain full access to the pedestrian zone at all times.
NHS doctors in marked vehicles will also retain access.
Bradford Council has consulted with emergency services throughout the development of the access policy.
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Clinical services
There are several clinical services that operate within the pedestrian zone. These businesses will be provided with a separate access plan with their main entry point being based at Bank Street. Exit will be possible via Market Street.
Darley Street Market
The recently opened Darley Street Market is located in the pedestrian zone. However, the service entrance to the market is outside the zone, via Piccadilly, and a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) has been implemented to govern the access arrangements here.
Magistrates Court
No public parking will be permitted at the Magistrates Court. A separate access plan will be in place which sets out how entry and exit to the building will be managed.
City Hall
Access will continue to be provided for civic and wedding events. This must be pre-booked and authorised.
Bradford Council offices
Access will be provided for official duties only. No staff or visit parking is permitted within the pedestrian zone.
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Four loading bays are provided at the border of the pedestrian zone to allow vehicles to load and unload during operating hours.
Bank Street/Hall Ings (newly installed)
Kirkgate (existing)
Tyrrel Street/Sunbridge Road (newly installed)
Westgate/Kirkgate (newly installed)
Loading time will be restricted to a maximum of 20 minutes. Extended loading times must be booked in advance.
A 7.5 tonne vehicle weight limit will also be in place, with exception to:
Refuse and utility vehicles
Emergency service vehicles
Pre-registered entertainment vehicles
Goods deliveries to businesses should be arranged for outside of the times of the operation of the pedestrian zone.
Below: A map showing the locations of the loading bays and other relevant vehicle restrictions in the city centre pedestriansed zone. Click here to open the map in a new window.
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Hackney Carriages are permitted to use the new repositioned taxi ranks on the perimeter of the pedestrian zone.
Private hire vehicles are not permitted in the pedestrian zone unless they are picking up or dropping off a resident with a passcode. They must then leave the zone within 10 minutes of entry.
All taxis must follow new guidance set out in the access policy. Any misuse will result in escalating suspensions of 7 days, 14 days and 28 days. A permanent ban would be enforced after 3 suspensions.
A new ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system is being introduced in the pedestrian zone to monitor vehicle entry and exit.
Below: A map showing the locations of the taxi ranks and other relevant changes affecting taxis in the city centre pedestrianised zone. Click here to open the map in a new window.
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As part of the city centre transformation, new disabled parking bays have been installed in the city centre. These new bays are just outside of the pedestrian zone and can be accessed without a passcode.
Standard and disabled parking bays are also available in various car parks within the city centre.
Please see the city centre disabled bays marked on the map below.
Below: A map showing the locations of disabled parking bays in the city centre. Click here to open the map in a new window.
How to provide feedback
This engagement has concluded, thank you to all those who left feedback.
We held a period of public engagement on the updated City Centre Access Policy between between Friday 26 September to Thursday 23 October 2025.
Contact us directly:
You can also provide feedback or suggestions by getting in touch in the following ways:
Email: info@future-bradford.co.uk
Freephone: 0808 196 9119
Write to: Freepost BFD Highways (no stamp required)
Our channels are monitored Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays.
What happens next?
The team are now analysing all the feedback we received during this period. A summary of the feedback will be made available on our webpages in due course.
Your input will help shape the final version of the policy.
The access policy is then expected to come into force later this year, following the period of engagement.
FAQs
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Bradford City Centre Access Policy.
About the policy
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The city centre access policy is a set of updated arrangements and regulations for managing vehicle access in and out of certain parts of Bradford city centre that are now pedestrianised, following the recent completion of the transformative works.
The policy introduces a set of access rules, including restrictions on through-traffic and new gated entry points for vehicles that have a valid reason to be there, such as deliveries, emergency services, or official functions. It balances essential access with safety for those who live in, work in and visit the city centre, making it a pleasant environment for all.
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The access policy is being introduced to make Bradford city centre a safer, more welcoming place to spend time. With fewer vehicles passing through, the area will be quieter and easier to navigate for pedestrians and cyclists. It will also improve security, especially during events or busy periods and allows the council to better manage entry and exit for permitted vehicles.
A formalised access policy is a common practice for any local authority to introduce following the pedestrianisation of formally traffic-dominated streets.
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The access policy has been developed by Bradford Council as part of the wider city centre improvements which were recently completed. It reflects the council’s ambition to create a safer and more vibrant city centre for all who use it.
Bradford Council has also carried out consultations with essential and emergency services whilst the policy has been developed, and is now seeking wider feedback ahead of its launch.
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The access policy applies to the pedestrianised parts of Bradford city centre. This includes streets that were already pedestrianised prior to transformation, such as Kirkgate, Ivegate and Darley Street. The updated policy will see the zone extended to include the newly pedestrianised streets including Broadway, Bank Street, Market Street, and sections of Bridge Street and Hall Ings.
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The access policy will be updated later this year. This ensures that we can make any necessary amendments to the policy following our engagement with residents, businesses and visitors to the city centre.
Further updates will be shared on the Future Bradford website following the end of the period of public engagement.
Access rules and operation
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If you live within the pedestrianised zone and need to bring a vehicle in, for example, to accept a delivery or be picked up/dropped off, you’ll receive a daily access passcode. This code changes every day and is used at designated access gates to allow vehicles into the area.
Each resident is permitted to have only one vehicle enter or exit through the access points at a time. Parking on-street or on the pavement will not be permitted in order to maintain safety for other city centre users.
Residents will need to apply by providing proof of address. Once approved, the access code will be sent to you directly, for example, via email or text, or displayed in certain buildings on screens where possible.
Further details on how to apply will be shared by the council before the system goes live. Residents will be able to apply for access codes by emailing or writing to the Network Resilience Team at Bradford Council.
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The access code system is designed to support essential access for residents, such as deliveries. While you may share your code with trusted individuals like friends or family, for purposes such as pick up/drop offs or deliveries, the code must not be misused or passed on for wider use.
Each resident is permitted to have only one vehicle enter or exit through the access points at a time. Parking on-street or on the pavement will not be permitted in order to maintain safety for other city centre users.
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To make sure the rules are followed fairly and consistently, the zone will be monitored by an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system. Vehicles entering the area without authorisation or misusing access codes will be flagged.
There will be escalating penalties for repeated misuse:
After a first breach, a 7-day suspension will apply.
A second breach will lead to a 14-day suspension.
A third will result in a 28-day suspension.
Any further breach after that may result in a permanent ban from entering the zone.
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Yes, there will be a weight limit in place. Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will not be allowed into the pedestrian zone unless they fall under specific exemptions. These exemptions include emergency services, waste collection vehicles, utility vehicles, and pre-booked vehicles involved in event set-up.
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The operating hours of the pedestrian zone will be between 10:30am to 6pm, and 8pm to 6am, 7 days a week.
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If your business operates outside of standard hours, including evenings or overnight, you’ll still be able to apply for access. You’ll need to pre-book your access in advance and provide details of your specific operational need.
Evening access will be considered for businesses with valid requirements. To ensure safety, all evening or overnight access must follow the same rules as daytime access, including using the correct gates, not exceeding weight limits, and not parking in restricted areas.
Impact on different groups
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Drivers are no longer able to use the pedestrianised roads as a through-route.
Only vehicles with permission such as residents, emergency services, registered businesses or those making deliveries will be allowed entry into the pedestrian zone.
The zone will be controlled by secure gates, and those who need to enter will use a daily passcode system or will have applied for access via the existing portal for businesses.
For most people travelling by car, this means using alternative routes and parking outside the zone before continuing your journey by walking, wheeling or cycling.
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Hackney Carriages are permitted to use the new repositioned taxi ranks on the perimeter of the pedestrianised zone.
Private hire vehicles are not permitted in the pedestrian zone unless they are picking up or dropping off a resident with a passcode. They must then leave the zone within 10 minutes of entry.
All taxis must follow new guidance set out in the access policy. Any misuse will result in escalating suspensions of 7 days, 14 days and 28 days. A permanent ban would be enforced after 3 suspensions.
A new ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system is being introduced in the pedestrianised zone to monitor vehicle entry and exit.
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Taxis will no longer be able to enter most parts of the pedestrianised zone, unless picking up and dropping off a resident with a passcode. If you're not a resident, you’ll need to arrange to be picked up from a nearby taxi rank or just outside the restricted area.
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The policy is designed to improve the experience for pedestrians. With fewer vehicles in the city centre, walking, wheeling and cycling will feel safer more relaxed. The changes also open up more space for events, outdoor seating, markets and public life.
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Improving pedestrian safety is one of the main reasons for introducing the policy. With controlled access and fewer vehicles, the streets will be safer and easier to move through for people walking and wheeling, particularly children, older people and those with mobility needs.
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No further changes to bus routes are planned as part of this access policy update. Bradford Interchange Bus Station will remain open as normal, where you will be able to easily access bus services.
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We know that some individuals with disabilities or mobility issues may need additional access support within the pedestrianised zone.
The new daily passcode system allows residents to facilitate vehicle access where needed, including for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Taxis (including private hire vehicles) can also enter the zone for residents with a passcode.
Hackney Carriage taxis can also still use the new ranks that are positioned around the outside of the pedestrian zone to pick up and drop off passengers.
In addition, the layout of the city centre has been designed to prioritise pedestrian safety and accessibility, with improved surfaces and step-free access throughout.
New disabled parking bays have also been installed in the city centre, such as those at the turning circle on Bridge Street or on Hall Ings, just outside Frankie’s restaurant in the turning circle opposite.
Standard and disabled parking bays are also available in various car parks within the city centre, including Crown Court, the NCP Southgate car park, Central Library, Sharpe Street, and the Broadway Shopping Centre.
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Emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire engines, will always have access to the zone, whether or not they are using lights and sirens. NHS doctors in marked vehicles will also be able to enter as needed. The system is designed to prioritise safety without disrupting critical services.
Deliveries, loading and waste collection
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If you live in the pedestrian zone and need to arrange a delivery, you can use your daily access passcode to allow the delivery vehicle in. This code changes every day and is used at designated access gates to allow vehicles into the area.
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Yes. Waste and recycling collections will continue as normal. Refuse vehicles are exempt from the weight limit and will retain full access to the pedestrianised zone at all times.
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If you’re planning an event within the pedestrianised zone, you’ll need to pre-book access for any vehicles delivering equipment or staging. Two layover areas have been set up - at Ivegate and Hustlergate - where vehicles can park overnight.
These vehicles must reverse into place with a traffic marshall present and leave the area by 10am the next day. If your event has specific needs beyond this, you can contact the council to discuss a tailored access arrangement.
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There are four designated loading bays located within the pedestrianised zone to support businesses and residents who need to load or unload goods. These bays are located at:
Bank Street/Hall Ings (newly installed)
Kirkgate (existing)
Tyrrel Street/Sunbridge Road (newly installed)
Westgate/Kirkgate (newly installed)
You can use these bays for loading and unloading for a maximum of 20 minutes, unless prior arrangements have been made for a longer stay. These bays are strictly for loading only - taxis, private vehicles, or vehicles left unattended for extended periods will not be allowed.
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If a delivery is expected to take longer than 20 minutes, arrangements should be made in advance by contacting the Network Resilience Team at Bradford Council. In some cases, extended access may be possible if pre-booked and approved.
This helps us manage loading activity safely while keeping the pedestrianised zone clear and accessible. General goods deliveries should be arranged for outside the times of the operation of the pedestrianised zone.
Engagement and feedback
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The period to provide feedback is between Friday 26 September to Thursday 23 October, running for four weeks.
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Feedback is an important part of the process. The policy has been shaped around safety and access, but the council is still listening to residents, businesses and other stakeholders to understand what works and what might need adjusting ahead of its full implementation later this year.
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The team can be reached directly by email at info@futurebradford.co.uk, freephone 0808 196 9119 or freepost Freepost BFD Highways (no stamp needed). These channels are monitored 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), and the freephone has an answerphone facility for enquiries received outside of this time.
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Feedback will be carefully reviewed to identify any adjustments or improvements that need to be made. Whether it’s about access needs, signage, timings or individual cases, the council will use this input to make the policy fair and practical for everyone involved.
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We will provide a report summarising the findings of our engagement which will be uploaded to the Future Bradford website.