Crime forces high street to shut

Traffic will be banned from part of a busy major high street to cut crime

Traffic will be banned from part of a busy major high street on Fridays and Saturdays in a bid to crackdown on crime and disorder.

Anyone caught parking in the targeted area in Slough High Street from 1900 BST on those days could also face a fine of up to £90.

The road is to be shut between its junction with Alpha Street North and The Grove to the Wexham Road junction.

The traffic ban from 2100 to 0300 BST comes into force on 18 June.

Staggered opening hours

The move, a joint operation between the police and the borough council, follows complaints from residents, businesses and visitors about anti-social and violent behaviour.

Officers will ensure only taxis and mini-cabs have access to the high street after 2100 BST.

Anyone who ignores the restrictions faces a fixed penalty fine of £40.

The scheme includes staggered opening hours for the high street pubs and clubs and targeted police operations in the area.

Taxi ranks will be installed along the restricted part of the high street so late-night visitors can leave the area easily at the end of their evening, a council spokesperson said.

Garry Sullivan, from the council's transport development team, said: "The closures coupled with the new taxi parking areas should mean the area is much safer, helping to reduce crime and generally make the town centre a nicer place to be at night."

Acting Sergeant Kevin Denman, of Slough police, said: "We were concerned the large number of cars driving through and parked in the eastern end of the High Street were obstructing access for emergency vehicles.

"They were putting pedestrians at risk, preventing police from using crowd control measures and allowing offenders to avoid capture."