News / Transport
Residents split on benefits of liveable neighbourhood
Bristol City Council has watered down some of their proposals for safer roads in Southville and Totterdown, removing some of the proposed one-way streets and measures that prevent through‑traffic.
The changes come after almost three in five people living in Southville ‘strongly disagree’ with the council’s proposals to reduce through-traffic and unsafe speeds in their area as part of the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhoods (SBLN) scheme.
In Totterdown, 49 per cent of respondents strongly disagree with the proposed measures.
It is the first time the true strength of feeling about the SBLN has been seen in black and white following the publication of the results to a council consultation.
Out of the 4,703 respondents, the views on the SBLN are almost split directly down the middle.
While 29 per cent strongly agree with reducing through-traffic and speeds on residential streets, 28 per cent strongly disagree.
Among all of the respondents, 27 per cent think that traffic calming on residential streets is of very high importance but 48 per cent think that bus gates are ‘not at all important’.
Residents’ parking schemes were supported by 52 per cent of respondents, while a matchday parking scheme was supported near Ashton Gate Stadium but less so in other areas.
Based on responses to the consultation, residents’ parking schemes are likely to be introduced in Windmill Hill, Totterdown, Ashton Gate and the Chessels; but schemes will not be taken forward in Totterdown East, Perretts Park or Malago Vale.
Gathorne Road’s junction with North Street is due to be built out and an implied zebra crossing added – photo: Karen Johnson
Ed Plowden, chair of the transport & connectivity committee, said: “At the start of this project, we heard from stakeholders and residents who told us that they want safer, greener, quieter streets, less traffic, and better conditions for walking, wheeling and cycling.
“These are reasonable desires for any community to have for their neighbourhood, and our plans have been designed to create healthy environments where everyone feels safer and more connected.
“I want to thank everyone who shared their views on our proposals for the area – from families and local schools to residents’ groups, faith organisations and disabled people’s groups.
“Your input has been invaluable, and the consultation report brings all this feedback together and will help us refine the final plans for the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhoods scheme.”
In February, anti-South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood campaigners walked by flowers on North Street at the spot where cyclist Alan Hydes was killed in a hit and run the previous month – photo: Rob Browne
Plowden added: “This feedback has given us an invaluable local steer, and we are responding by simplifying plans for Totterdown and Southville.
“This includes removing some of the proposed one-way streets and measures that prevent through‑traffic while maintaining access for pedestrians and cyclists.
“We’ll share these updated plans in the coming months, ahead of the transport & connectivity committee making a decision in the autumn on whether to take the whole scheme forward and further chances to have your say on the proposals.”
A School Street area will be introduced at Ashton Gate Primary School – image: Bristol City Council
Ahead of the decision to progress with the SBLN, early work will be progressing including:
- Trialling eight implied zebra crossings on side roads with North Street
- Building out Gathorne Road’s junction with North Street and adding an implied zebra crossing
- Starting the process to introduce a School Street at Ashton Gate Primary School’s Ashton Gate Road site with a timed closure at school drop-off and pick-up times
- Installing more than 20 cycle hangars across the SBLN area
- A £700,000 programme of tree planting in Southville and along North Street in the winter tree planting season
Plowden added: “Recent collisions on North Street, which tragically resulted in the death of a cyclist, show just how important good road design is, alongside responsible driving.
“As part of the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhoods project, we are bringing forward early work to make it safer and easier for people to enjoy all that North Street has to offer, while developing longer-term plans to address road safety issues.
“This includes proposals to change the layout of some of North Street’s main junctions, to improve sight lines and make this busy high street safer for all road users.”
Main photo: Karen Johnson
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