The council has shared a key report with Arup, but not yet with the public who will be affected by the changes
The project aims to make walking and cycling safer in places like Southville(Image: Alex Seabrook)
New details of the planned South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood are expected to be published “as soon as possible”.
Last year Bristol City Council consulted the public about traffic problems in Bedminster, Southville, Windmill Hill and Totterdown, before designing all sorts of changes.
Since that consultation, transport chiefs at the council have written a public engagement report, looking at the results of what people think. This report has been shared with Arup, a company working with the council on the project, but has not yet been made available to the public.
Leading councillors on the strategy and resources policy committee were urged to publish this report on Monday, June 16. A similar project in Barton Hill and St George, the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, proved very controversial with complaints about a public consultation.
(Image: Bristol City Council )
Suzanne Audrey, a local activist, said: “Public consultation is an important part of democratic engagement. I’m sure we all know there have been problems with Bristol City Council consultations in recent years — Western Harbour and East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood being examples.
“Currently, the public engagement report for South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, which I know exists, is not available to the public nor in particular the people of South Bristol.
“But Arup has seen it and they are developing interventions. Please publish the report, learn from previous mistakes and keep the public informed — and ensure their views are treated with respect.”
The aim of the liveable neighbourhood will be making streets safer and quieter, encouraging more people to walk or cycle instead of driving. This includes improving air quality and access to local shopping areas, such as East Street and North Street.
New promotion of the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, on West Street in Bedminster in early April 2025(Image: Bristol Post)
Green Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of the council, said: “I’ve spoken to the chair of the transport policy committee [Green Cllr Ed Plowden], who is responsible for the delivery of the liveable neighbourhood in South Bristol. He’s reassured me that the report will be made public as soon as possible.”
Next steps will be consulting the public again, this time on detailed designs of how the liveable neighbourhood could be rolled out, at some point this year.
This could include installing planters and bollards, to stop drivers using residential roads as rat runs, diverting them instead onto main roads. Driving routes could change, but all of the area will still be accessible by car.
Bus gates are another option, which block general traffic but allow buses and taxis. More bike hangars could be installed, to help cyclists safely store their bicycles. Better pedestrian crossings and new bike lanes might also be rolled out.
Actual changes to the roads are expected to be installed next year and early 2027.