The street has been closed to all motor vehicles during weekends, from 6pm on Friday to 7am on Monday, since November last year.

However, the road will now be reopened to traffic other than for "special events".

According to Hertfordshire County Council, the gates that are currently in place on the road will remain for "easy conversion" during event-days.

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George Street will remain closed to traffic on Saturdays and Sundays.

Motor vehicles will be permanently prohibited in Market Place, Spencer Street and Upper Dagnall Street.

Restricted parking will also remain in place in those areas.

These changes will be implemented after "legal steps" have been carried out.

Hertfordshire County Council plan to implement these alterations in the week commencing November 6, after the city's firework celebrations.

Cllr Phil Bibby, executive member for highways and transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “Although we originally introduced the measures in Market Place to help during the pandemic, the friendlier and safer environment they’ve created in St Albans city centre has proved popular with visitors and traders, so it makes sense to make those measures permanent.

“However, we’ve listened to residents and businesses, and it’s clear that the closures on High Street and George Street aren’t working the way we’d hoped. We’ll continue monitoring traffic, air quality and footfall in the area to see how they’re affected by reopening these roads.

“We’re committed to creating a cleaner, greener and healthier Hertfordshire and it is essential that we continue to support local businesses by investing in high quality, people-friendly streets and spaces. 

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"We will continue to work with the community on upcoming projects to help walking and cycling along Marlborough Road and improving bus provision along St Peter’s Street and Victoria Road.”

Cllr Lynn Cunningham of St Albans City and District Council added: "Market Place is home to a great many independent businesses including cafés, bars and restaurants and a fantastic market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

“At Market Place, we will create a much safer and more attractive environment and enable more people to walk, wheel and cycle in and around the city centre.

"It is the right decision to listen to local businesses and visitors to end the trial on High Street, yet maintain the flexibility to once again close it off to traffic for special events when we can properly make use of the space.”

The changes have been made in accordance with feedback provided by businesses and the local community.

A public engagement survey will remain open until next Sunday (September 10).