News / Transport
Tories blast ‘baffling’ plan to restrict cars on Park Street
Bristol’s Conservative councillors have gazed into their crystal ball and are predicting the “death knell” for shops on Park Street if proposed changes are implemented.
As part of the plans, people would still be able to drive onto Park Street but access would only be from St George’s Road.
Through-traffic, however, would be fed along Park Row or Anchor Road, with council bosses hoping that this would allow Park Street “to be made into a pleasant environment and encourage people to spend more time supporting the local businesses and cultural venues”.
But Tories at City Hall have slammed the idea, with Stoke Bishop councillor John Goulandris calling for the move to be scrapped.
Goulandris said: “This latest news is quite baffling given the very hostile reception the proposal initially received when it was aired in the autumn of 2021.
“Understandably, businesses and traders are threatening to leave if they are unable to get the Green-led administration to re-engage with them and find alternatives to radical road restrictions and closure.
“My group has previously set out cogent reasons for why this is an extremely bad innovation would sound the death knell for many of the shops on Park Street.
“We shall continue to strongly argue our case and rally support from local business organisations to oppose this plan which must be subject to a further consultation under the statutory Traffic Regulation Order process.”
Revealing the plans in January, Ed Plowden, chair of the transport & connectivity committee, said: “We need to make significant changes to our road network if we are to meet Bristol’s environmental targets and respond to the travel needs of a growing population…
“By changing how road space is used we can speed up buses, so they are more reliable, and create new areas of open space for people to enjoy with new trees, planting and seating areas.
“These are transformative proposals that rethink how road space is allocated and will change the way we all use the area.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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