Speeding traffic, problems with car parking, and a lack of safety for people cycling all received the most comments last summer
East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
Bristol Live readers have been discussing three key issues that were highlighted by the public regarding traffic in South Bristol, ahead of an imminent liveable neighbourhood project. Speeding traffic, car parking difficulties, and inadequate safety for cyclists were the most frequently mentioned concerns last summer.
Transport planners are now crafting preliminary designs for the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, taking into account this feedback. The focus will be on addressing the most commonly raised problems, with plans including safer crossings, broader pavements, and reduced pavement parking.
Bristol City Council has released an engagement report delving into the findings of public opinion about the area encompassed by the scheme, which includes Ashton Vale, Bedminster, Windmill Hill and Totterdown.
Speeding traffic topped the list of concerns, garnering 791 comments. This was closely followed by parking issues with 771 remarks, cycling safety with 625, and a lack of crossings with 430. Other worries included narrow pavements, poor wheelchair and pram accessibility, insufficient cycle parking, air pollution, and a dearth of bus services and green spaces.
A council spokesperson stated: “The SBLN project aims to make streets healthier, more accessible and more pleasant by putting people first. With less traffic and slower vehicle speeds, streets will be safer and more accessible, and there will be greater consideration for pavement space and condition.
“Liveable neighbourhoods prioritise health so everyone can breathe cleaner air and have the opportunity to choose physically active travel options like walking and cycling and be safe doing so. They also allow for better spaces for communities, so people have calmer streets and green spaces to enjoy and play.”
Council leaders hope to learn from the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood controversy, acknowledging criticism over consultation, though major transport changes are rarely popular with all.
Commenter Covid-51 says: “It’s not liveable if emergency services can’t reach you on time. Look at your other reports – this is not the way forward”
Othermeinnit replies: “It’s not just emergency vehicles, it’s already a nightmare getting building materials delivered, blocking more roads will only make it worse.”
Junius thinks: “This will be the acid test of whether lessons from the EBLN have been learnt.”
Magrathean believes: “People need cars. This is cruel.”
Katiem agrees: “What about all those that need to get around this city, when a scooter, bike, taxi or bus will not suffice? You need to consider ALL the residents, not just those without a car.”
Redfieldbs add: “The EBLN is meant to be an experiment, yet here they are implementing another one mostly against community wishes before the results of the first experiment are known.”
KaptainVon writes: “Many of the issues could be solved cheaply without recourse to expensive changes. There is currently a crossing point approximately every 125 metres on North St so it does not really need any more. Coronation Rd, yes it does need more.The narrow pavements issue on the North St is mainly towards the lower end and exacerbated by traders advertising boards blocking them so a ban on these would be a cheap solution to allowing the full width of the pavement to be used.
“One of the wider sections of North St opposite the Masonic has been narrowed by 50% by usage as an e-scooter drop off point. Pollution, particularly around West St worsened after implementation of the CAZ. As did the volume of traffic. Unfortunately pollution does not stay put and some of the initial proposals would add to this by increasing the distance that would need to be travelled thus negating any minor reductions elsewhere. Better public transport might encourage some to ditch their car but currently it is absolutely shocking.”
Downtowngirl suggests: “What a total waste of money, sort out the potholes in the roads, and the dangerous pavements, that will make getting around much easier for everyone, not the few. LTN’s are not the solution, in many places they become a big part of the problem.”
Pad states: “St John’s Lane is always busy and full due to bikes and HGV avoiding the CAZ, it does not need further challenges to traffic. Lots of local people are in favour of a residents’ parking zone but this is not mentioned.”
Jabbymisschief agrees: “Bristol City Council wasting our resources yet again”
Are you in favour of a new liveable neighbourhood scheme? Would it solve traffic issues? Have your say in our comments section.