News / Politics
Tory metro mayor candidate slams plans to close Park Street to through-traffic
The Conservative candidate for metro mayor has slammed Bristol City Council’s plans to close Park Street to through-traffic.
Steve Smith predicts that if the plans as part of improvements to the number 2 bus route go ahead, they will put jobs at risk by “hammering” the businesses along the road.
Park Street has historically been one of Bristol’s most exclusive shopping districts but in recent years has lost much of its glamour.
is needed now More than ever
Former councillor Smith’s dire predictions are not born out by studies from across the world.
Academic research has proved that “urban regeneration through pedestrianised spaces has shown to increase physical activity levels, reduce car dependency and improve economic activity”.
Evidence also shows that pedestrianisation generally has a positive or neutral effect economically, with shop vacancy rates five times higher on streets with high levels of traffic.
Smith said that putting bus gates at the top and bottom of Park Street “would push vehicles onto already gridlocked roads, creating serious disruption across central Bristol”.
He said the scheme “will clog up access to the Bristol Royal Infirmary, damage local businesses on Park Street and worsen congestion – hurting workers, commuters and trade”.
“Park Street is one of the busiest roads in central Bristol, yet the Green-led city council wants to block it at both ends with bus gates.
“That means forcing traffic onto surrounding roads that are already at breaking point.”
The purpose of the scheme is to increase the number of trips made by bus, walking, wheeling and cycling by improving bus journey times and making active travel safer and easier. It also aims to encourage more people to spend time in the Park Street and Queen’s Road area by creating new and inviting public spaces – image: Bristol City Council
When revealing the proposals 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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