News / Transport
Alterations to city centre plans following concerns from disabled
More disabled parking spaces will be added around Broadmead and more crossing points installed that are level with pavements as part of changes to infrastructure around the city centre.
It follows negative feedback from disabled groups to the Bristol City Centre Transport Changes consultation, which proposed major changes “to transform some of our public spaces and surrounding roads to make the city centre more welcoming and people-friendly”.
Bristol City Council say they will be working with WECIL “to further understand possible issues and solutions”.
One change from the original proposals that will be welcomed by everyone is much clearer differentiation between cycle lanes and pedestrian areas.
Cycle lanes will feature different surfaces in an aim to make the routes clearer than in other locations such as through the Centre where cyclists and pedestrians and often put in conflict with one another due to the routes being virtually invisible.
The council’s original plans included pedestrianising The Horsefair and Penn Street, changing bus routes and infrastructure, and enhancing pedestrian and cycling routes.
Among the respondents to the consultation, 59 per cent of people agreed with pedestrianising The Horsefair and Penn Street.
But of the 1,982 respondents, only 50 per agreed with the changes to the planned re-routing of buses in the Broadmead area; and disabled people were less likely to agree with the proposals.
The plans first revealed in July 2024 have now been changed to reinstate the right turn next to the Bay Horse pub out of Lower Maudlin Street for buses following feedback from First Bus and North Somerset Council.
Buses and coaches leaving Bristol bus station use Lower Maudlin Street – photo: Martin Booth
Bristol City Council hope that changes to the transport network across five areas – Broadmead, Bedminster Bridges, Redcliffe roundabout, Temple Way and Bond Street – will “promote walking, wheeling, and cycling, make bus journeys quicker and more reliable, and support the long-term goal to create a segregated rapid transit route from the southwest to the northeast of the city”.
Ed Plowden, chair of the transport & connectivity committee, said: “These proposals are a vital part of a wider vision to adapt to changing shopping and leisure habits and prepare for major housing developments in Broadmead, which is set out in the Bristol City Centre Development and Delivery Plan.
“I am really pleased the plans have been welcomed and are generally supported.
“The feedback has been really useful and means we can refine our designs, so they work better for everyone.
“I am especially pleased that we’ve looked again at the location of disabled parking spaces and are planning ahead to make sure numbers are maintained throughout the construction phases.
“We are committed to making sure that the city centre remains vibrant and welcoming for all.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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