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When the square opened in 2010 following a £4.7m investment, it was designed to be mainly traffic free.

Fresh strategy unveiled to revitalise Blackpool town centre.

But subsequently buses and taxis were allowed to use the route in order to ease congestion, especially when other roads were closed for regeneration projects.

However in recent times more traffic, including private vehicles, has been using the square with previous traffic orders having expired.

Now the council is set to trial new restrictions starting in May including limiting traffic to buses and taxis only, controlled parking zones and set delivery times.

The Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) will also apply to areas surrounding St John’s Square including Cedar Square, Adelphi Street, Carter Street and part of Church Street (from St John’s Square to Corporation Street).

Coun Neal Brookes, cabinet member for enforcement, public safety, highways and transport, said: “St John’s Square and the surrounding roads have become an area of uncertainty for pedestrians and road users over recent months, causing a real safety concern.

“We have seen increased numbers of complaints from members of the public and local businesses over the traffic behaviour in this area.

“Introducing an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) will provide clarity and improved safety for pedestrians and road users in the town centre.”

A council report adds: “Over time increased levels of private vehicles startedaccessing the square and resulted in increased numbers of complaints from members of the public, drivers and the businesses in the area.

“There are safety concerns about traffic, speed, driving behaviour, parking and generally how traffic moves around the square.”

Once the order is introduced legal enforcement can begin immediately.

A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) was previously in place at St John’s Square preventing access to all vehicles during the day.

Gates were closed between 10.30am and 6pm, with deliveries permitted outside of these hours.

While Talbot Road was closed to enable tramway work, a temporary TRO was put in place to allow buses and taxis into St John’s Square.

Once the ETRO is implemented, traffic will be monitored and the public will get chance to have their say on the changes.

Some traffic to be banned from Blackpool's St John's Square

But subsequently buses and taxis were allowed to use the route in order to ease congestion, especially when other roads were closed for regeneration projects.