THE High Street Gate will be made into a one-system for traffic once again this summer to help reduce the conflict between cars and pedestrians at the Cathedral Close.

It is expected record numbers of tourists will flock to the cathedral during the Magna Carta celebrations and the gate is expected to either be closed from 10am to 6pm or midday to 6pm.

The scheme will run from June 1 until the end of September and will operate six days a week.

Vehicles will be able to enter via the High Street Gate but will exit through the Harnham Gate.

The Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, Canon Treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral said: “We are keen to create a pleasant environment for pedestrians using the Close and coming to the Cathedral, so after last year’s trial involving a one-way system we have decided to try something similar again this year, applying the lessons we learnt last time.

"The High Street Gate does see significant levels of traffic in the summer and a survey we did on a single day in June last year recorded over 7,000 pedestrians coming in and out of the High Street Gate, along with 1,352 cars and motor cycles, 392 cyclists and 122 heavy goods vehicles.

"This year we anticipate that that figure will go up because of the Magna Carta Anniversary and related events, so it seemed only prudent to look after the pedestrians.

"We have consulted Close residents, who are in agreement with our proposals.”