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Traders slam plans to reduce through-traffic on road
Two long-established family-run businesses fear they could be driven to closure by proposed road changes in Lockleaze that aim to reduce through-traffic to make walking and cycling safer.
Bristol City Council has consulted on making changes to the Dovercourt Road section of Concorde Way, including the addition of a traffic filter, tree planting, a zebra crossing, and shared-use pavements.
The aim is to make more space for pedestrians and cyclists and reduce motor traffic using the road as a cut-through. Traffic can reach up to 2,000 vehicles per day, according to council traffic sensors.
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However, some residents have slammed the plans as “completely unnecessary,” while a Chinese takeaway and convenience shop believe the changes would kill off trade, claiming they would reduce access for customers and suppliers.
Kimling has launched an online petition to oppose the plans which has so far garnered 300 signatures.
The family that owns Kimling fears the business could be forced to close over proposed road changes in Lockleaze – photo: Kimling
Kimling has operated from Dovercourt Road for more than two decades. In a statement, the daughter of the owners, Nicole Thi, said: “My parents immigrated to the UK for a better life, and all they have ever known is how to cook delicious Chinese takeaway, food that has been loved by locals for decades.
“To see this new system put in place could affect not only the future of my parents’ business, which they have tirelessly worked so hard for, but also other independent businesses within the area.”
Next door, Dovercourt Convenience Store, serving the community for 35 years, is concerned about the proposals cutting off access for deliveries.
Kimling and Dovercourt Convenience Store are neighbours in the north Bristol area close to the Memorial Ground – photo: Betty Woolerton
One resident questioned the need for the changes. Commenting on the online petition, Jay said: “This straight, wide, quiet 20mph road isn’t exactly bustling.
“I’ve never had any concerns walking or cycling on this road.
“A traffic filter here isn’t only damaging for local businesses and annoying for local residents, but it’s also completely unnecessary.
“The number of people who’d actually benefit from this must be minuscule compared to the nuisance it would bring.”
Bristol City Council wants to make changes to a section of Concorde Way between Petherbridge Way and Constable Road – image: Bristol City Council
Proposed changes include:
- A traffic filter on Dovercourt Road (road narrowing and bollards) to prevent through-traffic. Pedestrians and cyclists would be able to travel through the traffic filter
- Four raised crossing points at the following locations: Dovercourt Road/Constable Road/Lockleaze Road junction; on Dovercourt Road at the entrance to Muller Road Recreation Ground; on Dovercourt Road by the path leading to Brook Bridge and on Petherbridge Way next to Brook Bridge
- Planting and street trees along Dovercourt Road
- A zebra crossing and speed cushions on Constable Road
- Shared-use footways (pavements) and double yellow lines on Constable Road and Petherbridge Way
The proposals are based on earlier council engagement in 2022, when people said there was too much traffic using the on-road section in Lockleaze and not enough space for pedestrians and cyclists.
Further improvements are planned on Dovercourt Road as part of the Goram Homes development of the former Dovercourt Depo to slow down vehicles and make it easier for disabled people and pedestrians to navigate the area.
Meanwhile, a section of Concorde Way that runs parallel to the railway line in Lockleaze remains closed after more than four years despite initial plans for the closure to be in place for just six months with the diversion requiring path users to follow a longer on-road route.
The Concorde Way is a key walking, wheeling and cycling route built to connect Cribbs Causeway and Cabot Circus – photo: Aarun Parmar-Cunio
In response to the petition, councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: “We want Bristol to be a place where people have access to reliable, safe, accessible and well-connected travel options.
“These proposals brought forward for Dovercourt Road, Petherbridge Way, and Constable Road are aimed at making walking, wheeling, and cycling safer and to help reduce motor traffic using Dovercourt Road as a cut-through.
“The designs ensure that access remains in place for people getting to their homes, visiting local businesses, or attending appointments at local clinics.”
For more information about the proposals, visit Bristol City Council’s website
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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