A recent poll shows a majority of residents are in favour of either closing off Reid Street to traffic or making the road narrower.

According to The Bermuda Omnibus Survey, an independent survey conducted in affiliation with Bermuda's Total Marketing Company, 50 percent of residents in some way supported the changes, while 37 percent opposed them.

Thirteen percent had no opinion on the ideas at all.

The report said: "Results indicate that while the public supports such changes, there is a sizeable minority that opposes the move. More specifically, when asked their opinion on this issue, half, strongly (18 percent) or generally (32 percent) support the proposed changes."

The survey polled more than 400 residents about the Corporation of Hamilton's plan to make the area between Burnaby Street and Queen Street more pedestrian friendly by limiting the flow of traffic.

And in recent months the plans have been the cause of some contention among Hamilton merchants and residents.

The report continued: "Those who oppose the suggested changes voiced a number of reasons for their opposition. One-third believe that the proposed changes would cause more congestion on other streets, while others feel that it would hurt merchants, as consumers would stay away from the area. Concern was also expressed that the proposed changes would not address the traffic problem effectively and would result in a reduction of parking places.

"Residents who support the proposed changes to Reid Street do so primarily because they believe such a move would reduce traffic congestion and increase accessibility in Hamilton. In addition, some feel the proposed changes would be helpful to merchants, as the changes would make it easier for consumers to visit stores in this area."

The exception to the proposed changes would be commercial delivery vehicles, which would have access at all times.