News / Transport
‘Long-term aspirations’ to close roads on Downs to cars
A road running through the Downs should close for a trial weekend this summer, advisers have suggested.
Ladies Mile, which runs from the middle of Stoke Road to near the top of Bridge Valley Road, should close to all traffic except bicycles for a trial Bank Holiday weekend, according to the Downs Advisory Panel.
The influential panel does not have the power to close the road itself but suggests what changes should be made to the Downs Committee.
Ladies Mile has been described as a “rat-run” through the middle of the Downs – photo: Martin Booth
The Downs Committee – made up of Bristol councillors and members of the Society of Merchant Venturers – is meeting on January 13 and will discuss the suggestions as well as other topics including new parking plans and an ongoing dispute with van dwellers.
In a report to the committee, Robert Westlake, chair of the advisory panel, said: “The opportunity could be used to explore future use of this potentially valuable location as an additional space for a range of commercial activities and events.
“A weekend closure could also be linked to the out-of-hours security initiative, to combat escalating anti-social behaviour.
“Ladies Mile Road (sic) in particular suffers from illegal driving and parking on the grass, while the highway itself serves no particular purpose other than as a rat run and for commuter parking.
“A trial would also permit the Downs Committee to gauge public opinion and monitor reaction to the longer term aspiration to close Circular Road to through traffic.”
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Closing Ladies Mile was previously discussed several years ago, but did not go ahead because of concerns raised by bosses at the the nearby Bristol Zoo that drivers would not be able to access an overspill car park on the grass near the road.
This will not an issue now as the zoo has closed and relocated to South Gloucestershire.
The panel has also previously called for security patrols in the evening and overnight, to clamp down on problems like car meets on the Downs.
Main photo & video: Martin Booth
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