News / East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood
New consultation on Bristol’s first proposed liveable neighbourhood
Proposals that could see traffic restricted through parts of Barton Hill, Redfield and St George are back on the table and open to consultation.
In what would be a first for the city, the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood scheme aims to stop drivers using streets as “rat runs”, reduce pollution and enable safer walking and cycling routes through the area to encourage people not to use cars.
Initial plans to ban through traffic met with a mixed reaction, with some firmly in support while others feared the measures would shift congestion to other streets, such as Church Road, and hit some of the most vulnerable the hardest. Concerns were raised for those with mobility issues and people whose livelihoods depend on driving.
After reviewing feedback and making alterations to the plans, Bristol City Council is now running a consultation on the latest proposals.
Mayor Marvin Rees has said information will be sent to Barton House residents, who could be among those most affected by the proposals but are currently living in hotels or with family following the sudden evacuation of the tower block in November.
An updated map details the scheme, which includes the introduction of bus gates on Marsh Lane in Barton Hill, as well as on Pilemarsh, by Redfield Educate Together Primary Academy, making these streets accessible only by bus, bike, taxi or authorised vehicle.
An updated map details the latest East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood proposals – image: Bristol City Council
Through traffic will be banned on certain roads, with modal filters and pocket parks used to restrict access, while others will be made one-way, including Moreton Street between Church Road and Wellspring Settlement.
The council states: “The traffic management proposals are designed to allow people to walk, cycle and wheel through the different interventions.
“Although motorised traffic would be prevented from travelling through the Liveable Neighbourhood, drivers would still have easy access to all homes and businesses by entering and exiting from main distributor roads.
“Emergency service vehicles will have exemptions to enable access through the Liveable Neighbourhood. It is expected that lower traffic volumes and exemptions will make it easier and quicker for emergency services to reach their destinations.”
The plans could also see the introduction of more double yellow lines in the area to ensure motorists and pedestrians have clear sight lines and to prevent obstructive parking, particularly for emergency, waste and delivery vehicles.
The consultation is open until Tuesday, February 20. Find out more and have your say via: www.ask.bristol.gov.uk/east-bristol-liveable-neighbourhood-tro. Further information should also be available at St George Library and Wellspring Settlement.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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