Ex-cabbie running Exchange Street jewellers backs barriers

Chris Cooper, 58, who runs Tolar Jewellers said the road has been "abused" for two years, saying he has been able to enjoy some peace and quiet since a barrier and security guard were put in at the end of last month.

In his five years running the business, Mr Cooper said he had seen cars "smacking into each other" and people rowing and fighting on the street.

He said motorcyclists racing down the street in groups and other vehicles misusing the road had made it an "accident waiting to happen".

Mr Cooper said: "It's been so dangerous down here for so long.

"Jarrold's across the way have an automatic door all it would've taken is for a kid to come running out of that and they'd have been hit.

"Cars used to be coming down there at about 60mph and motorbikes used to race down it and it also echoes like a tunnel so the noise was deafening.

"People come down here with their music blaring out with windows open singing away like they're John Travolta."

However, as a former cabbie he said there needed to be a compromise for the those who need the street for business.

Mr Cooper added: "I'm not a big city council fan, but what they've done on this street has been the best thing since sliced bread.

"We needed this, I've seen it all happen on this street, I wholeheartedly agree with everything they're trying to do with this.

"I understand the situation though, there needs to be a compromise for taxis and delivery drivers.

"They need an electronic licencing thing which allows the cabs and delivery people to use the road and fines everyone who shouldn't be there."

It comes after between 60 and 70 taxis blocked city centre roads in protest against the new measures on the road, which they say are "stopping our lads earning a living".