News / Transport
Princess Victoria Street’s permanent pedestrianisation praised
Two acclaimed authors and urban mobility advocates have praised a pedestrianisation scheme in Bristol.
Melissa and Chris Bruntlett say that Princess Victoria Street is “a compelling case of how such measures can reshape public opinion, local economies and the future of urban streets”.
They recalled that when the scheme was first announced, opposition was fierce and protesters even carried a coffin through Clifton Village, symbolising the death of the area if car parking spaces were taken away.
Since then, however, more people have been walking and cycling, and business is booming on the road.
“The street became a destination rather than just a through route,” said the Dutch-Canadian pair in a thread on X.
“Visitors lingered longer in what had become a more welcoming environment.
“Sentiment shifted. What first felt radical became normal.
“Residents who had grown accustomed to the safer street struggled to imagine it filled with cars again.
“Many described it as ‘bouncing’ with activity and questioned why the idea had generated controversy in the first place.”
“This corridor stands as a testament to the power of tactical urbanism” – photo: Martha Fiddick
Melissa and Chris say that the the completed scheme, which was unveiled in July 2025, is now “an outdoor living room for Clifton Village”.
They added: “This corridor stands as a testament to the power of tactical urbanism.
“A short-term crisis response revamped one of Bristol’s most beloved shopping streets, showing the surest way to shape a better future is to build something and let people experience it for themselves.”
Princess Victoria Street in 2018 – photo: Google
Main photo: Martha Fiddick
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