But councillor Tom Renhard, leader of Bristol Labour, claimed the scheme would have led to worse air pollution outside the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, as traffic would not just “evaporate”.
Kalaco said air pollution levels near the BRI would have experienced a “slight increase” under the plans, but would remain below the legal limit.
The £13m plan, which had not been backed by West of England Mayor Helen Godwin, would have been part-funded by £8m from CAZ fines.
Renhard said the fine money would be better spent on additional supported bus services, installing lighting on dark footpaths and active travel routes, cleaning drains and replacing bus stops.