A protester arrested for blocking traffic in a Norwich street where cars have controversially been banned has seen charges against him dropped

Harry Mach, 31, was arrested last October in Exchange Street which has seen protests to stop drivers flouting rules that exclude vehicles at most times in favour of pedestrians and cyclists.

Eastern Daily Press: Exchange Street in Norwich is subject to traffic restrictions Exchange Street in Norwich is subject to traffic restrictions (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Mach, of Weatherby Road in Bowthorpe, said he had now been told all charges against him have been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. 

"I am very relieved that after six months this case has been discontinued,” he said.

“It remains absurd that I was arrested and held in custody for nine hours for standing on a pedestrianised street, while the police failed to take any action against a driver who chose to flout the law by driving into it.” 

Eastern Daily Press: Drivers have continued to use Exchange Street despite the restrictionsDrivers have continued to use Exchange Street despite the restrictions (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Mach said he stood in front of a BMW to stop it from driving down the city centre street. 

He had previously pleaded not guilty to unlawfully obstructing free passage on the road, using threatening and abusive words and behaving disorderly.

The campaigner admits he swore after another passer-by attempted to barge him out of the way during his 10-minute protest, but claims police had failed to take into account CCTV evidence.

Eastern Daily Press: Protester Lucy Hall acting as 'human bollard' during protest at Exchange Street in NorwichProtester Lucy Hall acting as 'human bollard' during protest at Exchange Street in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

His arrest came a week before Lucy Hall, another protester acting as a "human bollard", was also removed by police.

Police and traffic marshalls have subsequently attempted to stop drivers using the street.

Liam Calvert, of campaign group Living Streets Norwich, said: “The police seem to have a huge blind spot when it comes to pedestrians and their safety. 

“Walking is made considerably harder because they refuse to issue tickets to motorists who drive illegally down Exchange Street where motorists have had years to get used to the changes.”

Norfolk police said the CPS had "discontinued the proceedings due to insufficient evidence as a result of the victim withdrawing support for the prosecution”.