News / Transport
More than 1,000 sign petition opposing new liveable neighbourhood scheme
Hundreds of people have signed a petition resisting the introduction of a liveable neighbhourhood scheme.
The petition, started by an anonymous resident, argues that proposals “risk causing serious disruption to everyday life, especially for older residents, disabled people and those on lower incomes” in Southville.
It objects to the dozen of so-called “modal filters” planned as part of South Bristol Liveable Neighborhood, describing them as “roadblocks” and claiming they would worsen congestion, increase pollution and make certain roads more dangerous.
is needed now More than ever
Currently in a consultation stage, the scheme aims to make large swathes of BS3 safer for pedestrians and cyclists, while also encouraging people to use cars less.
It follows a similar project in east Bristol, which proved extremely contentious.
Ed Plowden, Green councillor or Windmill hill and chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said the proposed changes would still allow people and emergency services access to all the roads and promised to “ensure the scheme is reflective of the needs of the community”.
Proposals for Southville, including modal filters and one-way roads – image: Bristol City Council
Southville, bound by North Street, Dean Lane and Coronation Road, is one of three target areas the council will focus on first in its plans.
Early designs revealed in September include modal filters, a network of one-way roads and parking bans.
The filters in practice involve bollards and planters, allowing people to walk or cycle through but blocking cars. Drivers would still be able to access streets, but potentially via a longer route.
The point is to tackle issues such as cut-through traffic, speeding, heavy commuter and matchday parking around Ashton Gate Stadium, narrow pavements and poor cycling infrastructure.
The petition states there is “overwhelming opposition to modal filters from local residents and businesses” in Southville – photo: Betty Woolerton
But those signing the petition have raised “urgent” concerns, arguing the system is “outrageous” and will “bring Bristol to a standstill”.
Titled ‘Stop Southville roadblocks’, the petition can be signed by anyone, not just residents, as it does not require an address.
It calls on the council to “immediately” halt the scheme in Southville and “to reconsider the implementation of any such drastic changes without proper consultation and consideration of their full impact…
“The planned modal filters would block key roads and force all traffic onto Coronation Road and North Street, drastically increasing distance and time of travel journeys for many residents, increasing pollution and congestion with displaced traffic.
It also flags concerns about a lack of consultation, with residents “not allowed space for objections or alternative ideas” and missing data on traffic modeling and emergency access plans.
The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, which launched in October 2024 as a trial, left some communities feeling excluded from decision-making.
Bristol City Council is proposing a modal filter for the junction of Gathorne Road and North Street – image: Bristol City Council
In contrast, Bedminster resident Simon, who did not wish to give his surname, told Bristol24/7 he was hopeful the scheme would make south Bristol “a nicer place for everyone to live and work.”
“South Bristol needs work to improve our quality of life.
“We have already been hit hard by the implementation of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ): becoming a car park just outside the CAZ for people traveling into town or heading to the airport.
“Combining this with the additional traffic on match days, and the inclusion of the Portway in the CAZ, we are overrun with vehicles from outside the area, often the most polluting ones that would be charged to enter the CAZ.”
“I’m hopeful that the livable neighbourhoods scheme will work to readdress some of this and provide residents with safer roads and easier parking without causing additional difficulties for residents.”
Also welcoming the scheme, another resident told Bristol24/7: “What’s dystopian about wanting to be able to walk or cycle to all your local amenities easily, to have more trees around, better buses and traffic calming solutions so kids are safer walking outside schools?
“How are these anything but positive steps in our communities?”
The aim of a modal filter outside Ashton Gate Primary School is to reduce the speed and volume of traffic, improve safety and make walking more pleasant – photo: Betty Woolerton
In a statement to Bristol24/7, Plowden said: “Our current proposals for the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhoods scheme have been shaped following invaluable feedback from local residents, businesses and community groups during last year’s engagement stage with the aim to make south Bristol a safer, healthier and less congested place to live.
“Evidence from across the UK shows that, while they may take time to settle in, these schemes often deliver lasting benefits for communities, and we believe the SBLN will be no different.
“Our proposed changes would still allow people and emergency services access to all the roads within the area and all buses would continue to operate as usual.
“The final proposals will also include many additional benefits for Southville and the wider project area such as trees, more cycle parking, seating and EV charging points.
“However, I do understand that schemes such as this can prompt strong feelings from the community, which is why I encourage residents to share their views and concerns on these proposals via our live consultation.
“Your feedback is vital to this process, and we will listen and act accordingly to ensure the scheme is reflective of the needs of the community.”
The consultation is open until October 30. Find out more and have your say via: www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/find-consultation-engagement/consultation-engagement?id=247.
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
