Shoppers are being encouraged to 'keep left' to avoid clashing into one another and spreading coronavirus in the city centre.
Markers have been placed across some of the main shopping streets on Friday, June 19, after large queues for shops in Clumber Street and off Old Market Square.
Police were concerned that shop queues would overlap especially on small streets such as Bridlesmith Gate where there is not much distance between stores.
They believe a 'keeping to the left' policy will avoid clashes.
Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Gummer, who manages the city centre, said: "In the city centre you don't have the luxury of huge car parks like supermarkets to set up your queues.
"For example, where there are two shops next to each other there is only so much space where you can zig-zag a queue.
"Primark were very good. They took responsibility for the queue.
"It feels like 60 percent of shops are open - but as more shops open there will be fewer queues because they will be dispersed."
He said there will be markings placed on paved streets such as Clumber Street, Lister Gate, Bridlesmith Gate and towards the intu Victoria Centre reminding people to 'keep left.'
"The greatest risk is face to face contact. You will walk left and when there is a store on the right you cross at the point of the store."
He said it was ensuring that "queues don't collide" and that the police are not in a position to limit queues as there is no legislation that allows them to do that.
He commended the stores for working hard to ensure people's safety when the shops opened for the first time since lockdown on Monday.
Nottingham City Council's street management team were starting to put some of the first markers down on Friday, June 19.
A spokesman for the team said: "You will notice a difference when you arrive in the city this morning with 'keep left' messaging now printed on the highway.
"A big well done to the person adhering to the newly printed message at 6.30am this morning."
